The relationship between knowledge of alcohol effects on pregnancy and alcohol use among a sample of urban women
Date
2012-01-19
Authors
Chandu, Lehlohonolo Tebogo
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Abstract
Alcohol is a major public health problem globally. According to the World Health
Organization (WHO) report, alcohol accounts for 2.5 million deaths (4% of total) and
69.4 million (4.5% of total) of Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALYs), (WHO, 2002,
2011). In South Africa, alcohol was found to be the third highest contributor to death and
disability (Parry, 2007/8). Among the many far-reaching consequences of alcohol use in
South Africa, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) in certain regions in the country, rates
among the highest in the world (May et al., 2007). Despite higher comparative levels of
FAS in rural areas, almost one third of the population in urban sites (Gauteng)
demonstrates that FAS is not exclusively a problem of South African rural areas. This
study hypothesized that higher knowledge levels about the effects of alcohol on
pregnancy may deter use among women. Employing secondary data analysis from a 2006
cross-sectional household survey, this study explored the prevalence of alcohol use
among urban women (18-44 years) in the Tshwane Municipality, in general and in
pregnancy. It also examined the relationship between knowledge of alcohol effects on
pregnancy and alcohol use. A significant association was found between employment
status, pregnancy outcome and general alcohol use among women. An almost significant
association was found between knowledge of alcohol effects on pregnancy and past
month alcohol use, knowledge levels and alcohol use during pregnancy. Findings
partially support the hypothesis. However, knowledge of alcohol effects on pregnancy
alone cannot deter women from using alcohol. Multiple influencing factors should be
considered in planning prevention programmes for urban women’s alcohol use. Further
research with larger sample sizes of pregnant women is suggested to explore the
associations conclusively.