Pregnant and Postpartum Individuals' Knowledge, Attitudes, and Perceptions of Extended-release Buprenorphine for Treatment of Opioid Use Disorder.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study is to explore pregnant and postpartum individuals' knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions regarding extended-release buprenorphine (XR-BUP) treatment for opioid use disorder.

METHODS

We conducted a paper-based survey of pregnant or postpartum individuals with opioid use disorder attending a multidisciplinary perinatal addiction specialty care clinic where XR-BUP is available. Participants' nonidentifiable demographic and treatment characteristics were collected, including duration and satisfaction of current medication for opioid use disorder. Participants' knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions about XR-BUP were assessed using a 5-point Likert scale. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the data.

RESULTS

From February 2021 to August 2021, 79 of 98 eligible participants completed the survey (81% response rate). More than 9 of 10 participants were currently taking medication for opioid use disorder, and 7 individuals (8.9%) were taking XR-BUP. Nearly half (49.4%) had never heard of XR-BUP, and 84.8% did not personally know anyone taking XR-BUP. However, 45.6% and 29.1% would consider an injectable medication for opioid use disorder to avoid trouble remembering to take their daily medications and avoid opioid withdrawal symptoms, respectfully.

CONCLUSIONS

In a population of pregnant and postpartum individuals, nearly half were unaware of a monthly XR-BUP option for the treatment of opioid use disorder. Many were interested in considering this medication. Future studies are needed to rigorously assess outcomes associated with XR-BUP among pregnant and postpartum individuals with opioid use disorder.