Knowledge Regarding Alcohol Use in Pregnancy Among American Indian/ Alaska Native Women of Childbearing Age - Healthy Women: Healthy Native Nation

Introduction:  Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASDs) are the leading preventable cause of developmental disabilities and birth defects.  Despite this, knowledge about FASDs and alcohol use in pregnancy varies among communities and is often limited.  Understanding the underlying misconceptions regarding drinking alcohol during pregnancy is important in characterizing risky drinking and in designing effective interventions against FASDs.  

Objective:  We set out to characterize the level of knowledge among Native American women of childbearing age regarding alcohol use in pregnancy.

Methods:  As part of an ongoing FASD prevention project, we used a self-administered, on-line survey to determine the level of general knowledge regarding drinking alcohol during pregnancy and specific awareness of FASDs.  Native American women, between the ages of 18 and 45, of childbearing potential were recruited to participate between April 2011 and March 2012. 

Results:  Our survey included questions regarding the amount, timing, and type of alcohol exposure during pregnancy and breastfeeding, as well as questions about women’s drinking in general.  Among the 102 women participating in our study, knowledge regarding risks of adverse effects of drinking during pregnancy to the baby was higher than awareness of women’s risks.  More correct answers were provided by women who had previously been pregnant.

Conclusions:  Knowledge about the risks associated with drinking alcohol during pregnancy in this population of women of childbearing age was high.  Understanding risk is an important first step in preventing FASDs.  However, knowledge does not always translate into preventive action.  Women must apply this knowledge to themselves.