Preventing fetal alcohol effects: effectiveness of a demonstration project

The Pregnancy and Health Program (PHP) was established in 1979 to develop effective methods of intervening in maternal alcohol abuse during pregnancy in a metropolitan US community. Services provided over a two-year period included public and professional education, an alcohol and pregnancy information and crisis telephone line, screening for alcohol problems in selected prenatal clinics, treatment and support for women concerned about their drinking during a pregnancy, and help for children possibly affected in utero by alcohol. Evaluation of PHP's educational programmes showed significant increases in awareness and knowledge of the risks associated with drinking during pregnancy, among both the public and health professionals in the community. Information was provided by telephone to over 2400 persons, including one in every 44 pregnant women in the community. A total of 304 pregnant women were personally given information as well as treatment for alcohol problems when necessary. For women seen personally, a significant decrement in drinking was associated with programme entry, which was in turn related to healthier infants at birth. This two-year programme established that intervention in pregnancy drinking is essential and feasible. Screening techniques developed by PHP simplify detection of excessive drinking. Education coupled with effective screening and referral to treatment when needed make reduction of fetal alcohol effects a goal within reach for all communities.