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Brief intervention for alcohol use in pregnancy: a randomized trial
G Chang1, L Wilkins-Haug, S Berman
1Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, USA. GChang@BICS.BWH.Harvard.Edu
Addiction (Abingdon, England)
|May 3, 2000
Summary
A brief intervention showed promise for maintaining abstinence in pregnant women who had already stopped drinking. However, any alcohol use during pregnancy increased the risk of continued consumption.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Public Health
- Addiction Medicine
Background:
- Antepartum alcohol consumption poses significant risks to fetal development.
- Effective interventions for reducing alcohol use during pregnancy are crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of a brief intervention (BI) compared to assessment only (AO) on antepartum alcohol consumption.
Main Methods:
- A randomized clinical trial involving 250 women initiating prenatal care.
- Intervention groups received either AO or AO plus BI.
- Demographic, obstetric, alcohol, and substance use data were collected.
Main Results:
- Both AO and BI groups reduced antepartum alcohol consumption, with no statistically significant difference between groups.
- Any prior alcohol consumption significantly increased the risk of continued drinking.
- Women abstinent pre-assessment who received BI maintained higher abstinence rates (86% vs. 72%).
Conclusions:
- Comprehensive alcohol assessment, with or without a brief intervention, led to reduced antepartum drinking.
- Screening for prenatal alcohol use is vital, as any consumption elevates the risk of continued drinking.
- Brief interventions may be particularly effective for maintaining abstinence in women who have already stopped drinking during pregnancy.