Alcohol use during pregnancy: Formative intervention research
NDARC Staff
Delyse Hutchinson
Other Investigators
Nyanda McBride and Susan Carruthers (National Drug Research Institute) and Carol Bower (Telethon Institute for Child Health Research)
Rationale
Exposure to alcohol during the prenatal period remains the leading cause of preventable birth defects and developmental problems in Australia and as such has generated increase attention from policy, research and health practitioners. A large proportion of women reduce or stop alcohol use when they find out that they are pregnant, however, there is a proportion of women who continue to drink in moderation, and an additional group who continue to drink to risky levels while pregnant. The Alcohol Use During Pregnancy – Formative Intervention Research Study is an explorative, descriptive study using both quantitative and qualitative methods. The study is designed to assess factors that contribute to alcohol consumption during pregnancy, and to identify potential intervention strategies to reduce alcohol consumption during pregnancy. The study targets pregnant women who attend public hospitals in Perth, Western Australia, and who are in their second or third trimester of pregnancy. Participants have identified themselves as current alcohol drinkers, 18 years of age or older, and who have English as their primary language.
Aims
The aims of this formative research study were to:
- Collect qualitative and quantitative information from women attending public hospital antenatal clinics in Perth, Western Australia, about their pregnancy and antenatal alcohol related experiences
- Identify potential intervention targets, strategies and components that may impact on alcohol use during pregnancy for use in future intervention research
Design and Method
There were two components to this study:
- Part A (Quantitative Project): This survey of approximately 400 pregnant women who consume alcohol will provide information about frequency and quantity of alcohol use, details of pregnancy history and insights into potential intervention components, targets and strategies.
- Part B (Qualitative Project): This research involves focus groups with pregnant women who consume alcohol. The primary aim of the focus groups is to identify potential intervention components, targets and strategies.
Benefits
The study will identify factors that contribute to alcohol consumption during pregnancy, and potential intervention strategies to reduce alcohol consumption during pregnancy.
Output
McBride, N. (2009). Alcohol use during pregnancy: Directions for Australian policy.
Centrelines. [In Press].
McBride, N., Carruthers, S.J. and Hutchinson, D. (2008).
Alcohol use During Pregnancy. Formative Intervention Research. Final Report. National Drug Research Institute, Perth, Western Australia. pp. 91.
McBride, N., Carruthers, S.J. and Hutchinson, D. (2007).
Alcohol Use During Pregnancy. Formative Intervention Research. Annual Report. National Drug Research Institute. Curtin University of Technology, Perth, Western Australia.
Funding
National Drug Research Institute