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Preventing Alcohol-Exposed Pregnancies in Diverse Populations
Rates of harmful drinking among women from diverse
populations and the characteristics of those at greatest risk are not
well understood. Well-designed epidemiologic studies are needed to
better understand these populations of women. Likewise, intervention
studies aimed at reducing the risk of alcohol-exposed pregnancies need
to be designed and evaluated to determine the most effective approaches
for high-risk women from diverse populations. The following projects
were funded to address this issue.
Funded Projects:
San Diego State University—San Diego, California
This project’s goal was to (1) determine the frequency of self-reported
alcohol consumption in a sample of low-income pregnant and non-pregnant
Latinas of childbearing age and examine risk factors for alcohol use,
and (2) test the effectiveness of an educational feedback intervention
among non-pregnant Latinas on intent to change alcohol consumption
behaviors in a future pregnancy. Screening questionnaires and in-person
interviews provided information on the women and their use of alcohol.
The intervention group received educational feedback on their
self-reported current consumption. The intervention assessed intention
to reduce current alcohol consumption and/or avoid alcohol use in a
future pregnancy. Outcomes regarding future intentions were measured
through a post-intervention telephone interview 3 months following the
baseline interview.
University of Texas at San Antonio—San Antonio, Texas
This project explored characteristics regarding alcohol use and
pregnancy, and tested the effectiveness of a social action approach to
prevent alcohol-exposed pregnancies among Latinas in San Antonio. The
project investigated the values, attitudes, and behaviors of Latinas
regarding motherhood and pregnancy, patterns of alcohol use and familial
patterns, sexual activity, and knowledge of fetal alcohol syndrome. The
study pilot tested a social action intervention model that aims to alter
normative drinking behavior and/or sexual behavior. Quantitative
measures were used to determine differences in knowledge, attitudes, and
behaviors and qualitative methods were used to understand the interplay
between individual and social change. Follow-up was conducted 6 months
after the intervention.
Related Publications:
Chambers CD, Hughes S, Meltzer SB, Wahlgren D,
Kassem N, Larson S, Riley EP, Hovell MF. Alcohol consumption among
low-income pregnant Latinas. Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental
Research 2005;29(11):2022-2028. [Abstract]
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