This study is a controlled brief intervention designed to decrease alcohol use by low-income, ethnically diverse pregnant women enrolled in the Los Angeles County WIC program. The primary goals of the study are to increase detection of alcohol use during pregnancy, evaluate the impact of brief intervention on pregnant women, and identify maternal characteristics (ethnicity, depressive symptoms, social support) that influence the effectiveness of brief intervention. Twelve WIC clinics are matched and randomized to one of two conditions: Assessment Only (AO), in which mothers receive a comprehensive assessment of alcohol use, followed by the current WIC standard of care, or Brief Intervention (BI), in which mothers receive the same assessment plus a standardized brief intervention designed to reduce alcohol consumption. Assessments and interventions are carried out by nutritionists during the mother's prenatal visits, and mothers are followed longitudinally throughout their pregnancies. In this session, study design and methodology will be reviewed, drawing parallels with the other studies in the session that share comparable aims. Preliminary results will also be presented.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant in this session will: 1. Understand the effectiveness of brief intervention techniques in curbing alcohol consumption. 2. Be familiar with the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC), and how WIC can be an excellent site for intervention with pregnant mothers. 3. Learn brief intervention techniques that are being tested with pregnant women
Keywords: Alcohol, Intervention
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: WIC
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.