Meeting abstract
PREGNANT WOMEN'S KNOWLEDGE AND HABITS REGARDING ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION DURING PREGNANCY
Katarina Hegol
; General county hospital Požega, Osječka 107, Požega, Croatia
Damir Matoković
; General county hospital Požega, Osječka 107, Požega, Croatia
Silvija Marić
; General county hospital Požega, Osječka 107, Požega, Croatia
Suzana Šarčević
; General county hospital Požega, Osječka 107, Požega, Croatia
Mirela Lovrenović
; General county hospital Požega, Osječka 107, Požega, Croatia
Katica Fridrich
; General county hospital Požega, Osječka 107, Požega, Croatia
Ana Čorak
; Health center of Požesko - slavonska County, Matije Gupca 10, Požega, Croatia
Abstract
Introduction: Prenatal alcohol exposure is a leading preventable causes of birth deffects and developmental problems, the most severe of which is Fetal Alcohol Syndrome.
Despite the expert's recommendation on full abstinence, alcohol consumption in pregnancy is still widespread and is becoming one of the major public health problems. According to research, women have an unclear picture of why alcohol should be avoided during pregnancy and what difficulties may arise.
Aim: The aim of this paper is to determine knowledge and habits of pregnant women regarding alcohol consumption in pregnancy and to examine if there are differences between women’s habits and knowledge regarding alcohol use during pregnancy and their age, level of education and social status.
Methods: The study was conducted within Women's Health Protection Service of Požega-Slavonia County ( Health Center) and in Polyclinic Intermed gynecology clinic as a cross-sectional study involving 115 examinees. The research was conducted anonymously, through a self-made questionnaire which included 25 questions. Category data is represented by absolute and relative frequencies.
Results: 18% of pregnant women consume alcohol during pregnancy, mostly 1-2 drinks once a month or less, while 3% of pregnant women reported binge drinking. There are no significant differences in age, education and social status. Due to pregnancy, examinees aged 30 and over significantly changed the habits of alcohol consumption (Fisher's exact test, P = 0.04). 39% of examinees named contemporary media as the leading source of information on this topic although many papers highlighted the role of healthcare professionals. 34% of examinees have heard of fetal ačcohol syndrome, highly qualified and employed women significantly more (χ2 test, P = 0.001) while 26.9% of examinees have heard of fetal alcohol effects. Only 27% of examinees have identified face deformation and microcephaly as a possible consequence of fetal alcohol exposure. According to pregnant women's estimate, all preventive and educational measures need to be implemented more.
Conclusion: Women consume alcohol during pregnancy despite the fact that alcohol can cause health problems due to their lack of specific knowledge, therefore it is necessary to improve education and prevention strategies.
Keywords
alcohol; pregnancy; fetal alcohol syndrome; fetal alcohol spectrum disorder; fetal alcohol effect
Hrčak ID:
218597
URI
Publication date:
31.12.2018.
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