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Issues in prenatal cocaine use research: Problems in identifying users and choosing an appropriate comparison group
Author(s) -
Behnke Marylou,
Eyler Fonda Davis
Publication year - 1994
Publication title -
infant mental health journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.693
H-Index - 75
eISSN - 1097-0355
pISSN - 0163-9641
DOI - 10.1002/1097-0355(199422)15:2<146::aid-imhj2280150206>3.0.co;2-h
Subject(s) - coca , humanities , population , political science , psychology , sociology , philosophy , psychiatry , demography
Prenatal cocaine exposure has been identified in 11 %–44% of deliveries in this country, and researchers are working to answer many important questions about cocaine‐exposed infants. However, the process of discovery takes time, thoughtful planning of studies, and careful interpretation of results. This paper will review recently published data considering the impact on study results of two methodological issues in cocaine use research: identifying a population of users versus nonusers and choosing an appropriate comparison group. Additionally, some thoughts will be presented on the criminalization and sensationalism of prenatal cocaine use and their effect on both researchers and subjects.