Archived
June, 2007 |
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Hispanic Health Program
PREVENTING ALCOHOL-EXPOSED
PREGNANCIES AMONG HISPANIC WOMEN
WHAT IS THE PUBLIC HEALTH PROBLEM?
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Studies show an association
between prenatal exposure to alcohol and increased risk for fetal
alcohol syndrome and other adverse effects on the developing fetus. |
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One in 30 pregnant and one in
eight nonpregnant women report binge drinking ( > 5 alcoholic
drinks on any one occasion) or frequent drinking ( > 7
alcoholic drinks per week or > 5 alcoholic drinks on any one
occasion). |
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In 2000, Hispanic/Latina women
represented 14% of reproductive-aged women (15-44 years) and
accounted for 20% of all live births. |
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Monitoring rates of prenatal
alcohol use among Hispanic/Latina women is extremely important. |
WHAT HAS CDC
ACCOMPLISHED?
Because prenatal
alcohol exposure is a leading preventable cause of birth defects,
decreasing alcohol use among pregnant women is a national health goal.
CDC's Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Prevention Team oversees various programs
which prevent prenatal alcohol exposure around the country. These programs
serve women of all racial and ethnic groups, including Hispanic/Latina women.
Little health data exist about Hispanic/Latina women's knowledge of the effects
of alcohol during pregnancy on the fetus. In addition, the success of
interventions to prevent alcohol exposure during pregnancies specifically
among Hispanic/Latina women is still unknown.
Example of
program in action: |
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San Diego State University and the University of Texas at San Antonio
are examining the alcohol consumption patterns and characteristics of
pregnant and nonpregnant Hispanic/Latina women of child bearing age. Their
investigations are leading to new and effective interventions to prevent
alcohol consumption during pregnancy for this population. |
WHAT ARE THE NEXT
STEPS?
Raising public awareness
about the dangers of alcohol use among Hispanic/Latina
pregnant and nonpregnant women of childbearing age is essential. Programs
such as those in San Antonio and San Diego will provide invaluable
information on effective interventions for the Hispanic/Latino
population. Future studies can contribute important information and
greatly impact the health and well-being of Hispanic/Latino
children born in the United States.
For more information, contact the National Center on Birth Defects
and Developmental Disabilities, Mailstop
F49, 4770 Buford Highway NE, Atlanta, GA 30341: (770) 488-4549:
efp0@cdc.gov:
www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/fas. |
Back to the Hispanic/Latino Populations Page
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