Barriers to Care for Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome in Southern New Jersey

Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) is a spectrum of clinical manifestations seen in newborns due to withdrawal secondary to intrauterine illicit and/or prescription drug exposure. Newborns with NAS present with common signs of withdrawal such as poor feeding, irritability, seizures, hypertonicity, low birth weight, loose stool, and premature birth. Maternal opioid use is the most common cause of NAS and with the increase in opioid use in the past decade the cases of NAS have also increased. This study examines the prevalence and challenges associated with NAS in Southern New Jersey. Our analysis reveals that Atlantic and Gloucester counties reported the highest rates of NAS in 2022, with these areas also demonstrating high opioid-related death ratesin adults. Our proposed intervention includes creating a facilitation guide and teaching class to pregnant mothers on the effects of opioid use on a developing fetus and provide mental health and OBGYN resources.