Effects of Knowledge and Recognition of Alcohol Use during Pregnancy on Actual Alcohol Use during Pregnancy

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to explore the influence in a planned pregnancy of alcohol related family variables, knowledge and recognition of the effects of alcohol use during pregnancy on actual alcohol use during pregnancy. METHODS: The participants were 284 women who had experienced a pregnancy at some time in their lives. The data were collected from December 2011 to January 2012 and the method of data collection was self-report questionnaires. The instruments for this study were AUDIT-K, Knowledge of alcohol use during pregnancy, and Recognition of alcohol use during pregnancy. RESULTS: There were higher incidences of alcohol use during pregnancy when alcohol consumption was a problem, when there was a family member with an alcohol problem, or after having had an artificial abortion. There was no correlation in alcohol use during pregnancy with knowledge, but a correlation with recognition was found. CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest that the main factor in alcohol use during pregnancy is recognition of the effects of alcohol use during pregnancy.