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Alcohol and pregnancy: doctors' attitudes, knowledge and clinical practice
1Developmental Paediatrician Starship Children's Health Auckland.
The New Zealand Medical Journal
|October 27, 1995
Summary
New Zealand doctors view alcohol in pregnancy as a significant health concern, with most recommending limits. However, their clinical practices, such as routine inquiries and advice, do not fully align with their attitudes regarding alcohol consumption during pregnancy.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Public Health
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Alcohol consumption during pregnancy poses significant health risks to the fetus.
- Understanding healthcare providers' perspectives is crucial for effective public health interventions.
- Existing research highlights a gap between medical professionals' knowledge and their clinical practices regarding alcohol use in pregnancy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate New Zealand doctors' attitudes, knowledge, and clinical practices concerning alcohol consumption during pregnancy.
- To assess the perceived level of public awareness regarding the risks of prenatal alcohol exposure.
- To identify discrepancies between doctors' beliefs and their reported patient interactions.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional survey was conducted using questionnaires.
- Participants included all paediatricians and obstetricians, plus a random sample of general practitioners in New Zealand.
- Data were collected on attitudes, knowledge, and routine clinical inquiries and advice regarding alcohol consumption in pregnancy.
Main Results:
- All surveyed doctors agreed on the need for limiting alcohol intake during pregnancy, with 46% advocating for abstinence.
- Over 90% of doctors believed public awareness of alcohol-related risks in pregnancy was inadequate and needed improvement.
- While a majority of obstetricians (59%) and general practitioners (40%) routinely inquired about alcohol consumption at the first antenatal visit, a similar proportion (53% and 48% respectively) provided routine advice.
Conclusions:
- New Zealand doctors recognize alcohol in pregnancy as a critical health issue, emphasizing the need for increased public awareness.
- A notable disparity exists between doctors' attitudes towards alcohol consumption in pregnancy and their reported clinical practices.
- Further strategies are needed to bridge the gap between healthcare providers' knowledge and consistent application of evidence-based guidance in antenatal care.