Trends in cocaine use among United States females of reproductive age, 2005–2019

Abstract

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesThe prevalence of cocaine use has increased in the United States, with an estimated 5.5 million people have used it at least once in 2019. We report trends in cocaine use for reproductive age females who participated in the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH, 2005–2019).MethodsInterviewers for NSDUH recruited and assessed a representative sample of the US noninstitutionalized population. The prevalence of cocaine use was estimated annually for females (15–44 years; n = 295,751). Joinpoint regression was then used to test for significant changes in trends.ResultsApproximately 2.4% of females (n = 8136) reported past 12‐month cocaine use. Joinpoint regression revealed an initial decline in cocaine use prevalence between 2005 and 2011, followed by a robust increase (2011–2019 annual percent change = 5.2; 95% confidence interval = 2.6, 7.8%). This nonlinear trend was observed for all subgroups, except for adolescent and pregnant females for whom a decrease in cocaine use prevalence was observed.Discussion and ConclusionsAlthough the prevalence of cocaine use remains scarce among US females, the uptake in use after a period of initial decline is concerning, highlighting the need for continued public health awareness and action.Scientific SignificanceCocaine use among females of reproductive age is particularly concerning given the increased likelihood of transitioning to disordered use and the risk of use during pregnancy. Previous studies have not reported cocaine use estimates specific to reproductive age females or only reported co‐drug use patterns, without detail of specific cocaine use trends.