Prenatal alcohol consumption: exploring prevalence and the impact of an educational intervention
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Date
01/12/2021Author
Keating, Orlagh
Metadata
Abstract
Background
Alcohol is a well-known teratogen and its consumption during pregnancy is a growing public
health concern across the globe. Prevalence rates of prenatal alcohol use remain high, despite
international guidelines recommending abstinence. This has significant consequences as it is a
direct cause of foetal alcohol spectrum disorder, which is known to have widespread adverse
effects on the individual, their families and wider society. Ascertaining the true extent of
prenatal alcohol use remains a major challenge however as obtaining this information can be
challenging.
Objectives
The purpose of the systematic review was to assess the international prevalence of prenatal
alcohol exposure as obtained using meconium biomarkers in general maternity populations.
The purpose of the empirical study was to explore the prevalence of prenatal alcohol use by
self-report of women in the UK, and the impact of an educational intervention on attitudes and
knowledge towards drinking during pregnancy.
Methodology
The systematic review was completed on studies reporting the prevalence of prenatal alcohol
exposure as determined by meconium biomarker testing, and their methodological quality was
appraised. A national anonymous online study was conducted for the empirical study. This
comprised of an educational intervention and questionnaire measures assessing prevalence of
self-report prenatal alcohol use, attitudes and knowledge.
Results
Findings from the systematic review demonstrated that prevalence rates of prenatal alcohol
exposure assessed using meconium biomarkers varied from 2.4% to 44%. Studies were found
to be of moderate quality, although varied greatly with respect to their sociodemographic and
methodological characteristics. Findings from the empirical study demonstrated high rates of
binge drinking prior to pregnancy (82%), which decreased significantly following recognition
of pregnancy (0.2%). The educational intervention was found to have a significant impact on
attitudes and knowledge (z = -9.67, p < .001 r = 0.29).
Conclusion
Results of the systematic review support the utility of meconium as a promising objective tool
for the detection of prenatal alcohol exposure but recommends use with caution and adherence
to stringent methodological protocols. Further research is warranted on its utility in clinical
practice. Results of the empirical study support the use of educational interventions in
improving women’s knowledge of risks and increasing negative attitudes towards prenatal
alcohol use. Recommendations for implementation of such interventions at community and
clinical levels to reduce prenatal alcohol use and subsequent risks of foetal alcohol spectrum
disorder are made.