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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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