Attitudes and behaviour predict women's intention to drink alcohol during pregnancy: the challenge for health professionals
2011

Women's Attitudes and Behavior Towards Alcohol During Pregnancy

Sample size: 1103 publication 10 minutes Evidence: high

Author Information

Author(s): Peadon Elizabeth, Payne Janet, Henley Nadine, D'Antoine Heather, Bartu Anne, O'Leary Colleen, Bower Carol, Elliott Elizabeth J

Primary Institution: The University of Sydney

Hypothesis

What factors predict women's intention to drink alcohol during pregnancy?

Conclusion

Women's past drinking behavior and attitudes towards alcohol use in pregnancy are the strongest predictors of their intention to consume alcohol during pregnancy.

Supporting Evidence

  • 89.4% of women had consumed alcohol in the last 12 months.
  • 34.1% of women drank alcohol during their last pregnancy.
  • 31.6% of women intended to consume alcohol if planning a pregnancy.
  • Women with neutral or positive attitudes towards alcohol use in pregnancy were more likely to intend to drink.

Takeaway

Most women who have been pregnant before still plan to drink alcohol if they get pregnant again, and their past drinking habits and feelings about alcohol play a big role in that decision.

Methodology

A national cross-sectional survey via computer-assisted telephone interviews was conducted with 1103 Australian women aged 18 to 45 years.

Potential Biases

The study relied on self-reported data, which can be subject to bias.

Limitations

Recall bias may have led to an underestimation of alcohol consumption in pregnancy, and the sample may not be fully representative of the general population.

Participant Demographics

The mean age of participants was 32 years, with 63.5% having given birth previously and 79.4% born in Australia.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.001

Confidence Interval

95% CI 27.0 to 71.4

Statistical Significance

p<0.001

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1471-2458-11-584

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