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Peri-Conceptual and Mid-Pregnancy Alcohol Consumption: A Comparison between Areas of High and Low Deprivation in Scotland

Symon, Andrew; Rankin, Jean; Sinclair, Hazel; Butcher, Geraldine; Smith, Lesley; Gordon, Rhona; Cochrane, Lynda

Authors

Andrew Symon

Jean Rankin

Hazel Sinclair

Geraldine Butcher

Rhona Gordon

Lynda Cochrane



Abstract

© 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Background: Alcohol-related mortality and morbidity among women has increased over recent decades, especially in areas of higher deprivation. Pre-pregnancy alcohol use is associated with continued consumption in pregnancy. We assessed whether general population alcohol consumption patterns were reflected among pregnant women in two Scottish areas with different deprivation levels. Methods: Cross-sectional study in two health boards (HB1, lower deprivation levels, n = 274; HB2, higher deprivation levels, n = 236), using face-to-face 7-day Retrospective Diary estimation of peri-conceptual and mid-pregnancy alcohol consumption. Results: A greater proportion of women in HB2 (higher deprivation area) sometimes drank peri-conceptually, but women in HB1 (lower deprivation area) were more likely to drink every week (49.6 vs 29.7%; p < 0.001) and to exceed daily limits (6 units) at least once each week (32.1 vs 14.8%; p < 0.001). After pregnancy recognition, consumption levels fell sharply, but women in HB2 were more likely to drink above recommended daily limits (2 units) each week (2.5 vs 0.0%; p < 0.05). However, women in HB1 were more likely to drink frequently. Women with the highest deprivation scores in each area drank on average less than women with the lowest deprivation scores. Conclusions: Heavy episodic and frequent consumption was more common in the lower deprivation area, in contrast with general population data. Eliciting a detailed alcohol history at the antenatal booking visit, and not simply establishing whether the woman is currently drinking, is essential. Inconsistent messages about the effects of alcohol in pregnancy may have contributed to the mixed picture we found concerning peri-conceptual and mid-pregnancy alcohol consumption.

Citation

Symon, A., Rankin, J., Sinclair, H., Butcher, G., Smith, L., Gordon, R., & Cochrane, L. (2016). Peri-Conceptual and Mid-Pregnancy Alcohol Consumption: A Comparison between Areas of High and Low Deprivation in Scotland. Birth, 43(4), 320-327. https://doi.org/10.1111/birt.12252

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Aug 4, 2016
Online Publication Date Sep 12, 2016
Publication Date 2016-12
Deposit Date Apr 1, 2022
Journal Birth
Print ISSN 0730-7659
Electronic ISSN 1523-536X
Publisher Wiley
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 43
Issue 4
Pages 320-327
DOI https://doi.org/10.1111/birt.12252
Keywords Alcohol; Deprivation; Pregnancy; Screening; Teratogenesis
Public URL https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/3629200