For 30 years, attention to Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) has focused on secondary and tertiary prevention. However, primary prevention of FAS and other alcohol related birth defects (ARBD) is now recognized as a critical need. Unfortunately, even moderate levels of alcohol consumption in the first few weeks after conception, before a woman realizes she is pregnant, increases the likelihood of neurodevelopmental disabilities in her child. Thus, prevention interventions must reach women who are at risk for alcohol exposed pregnancies, but who do not perceive their drinking or contraceptive habits as unusual or risky. This session will present new data from Project CHOICES, a multisite study testing a preconceptional intervention among high risk women in six diverse settings: jail, drug treatment centers, urban gynecology clinics in two cities, a family practice clinic, and media-recruitment.We will discuss the state of the art and science in the area of FAS/ARBD prevention. We will present the results of an epidemiological survey of 2675 women from the Project CHOICES settings including normative behavioral risks including drinking, drug use, psychological distress, attitudes, and inadequate contraception. We will premiere the key findings of intervention outcome such as change in risky drinking and inadequate contraception among 200+ women. Lastly, we will discuss feasibility issues in conducting the 4 session motivational enhancement therapy/ contraception counseling intervention and identify areas for scientific development, highlighting new studies addressing this critical prevention need.
Learning Objectives: By the end of the session, participants will be able to: 1). describe the state of the art and science in the area of FAS/ARBD prevention, 2). discuss the results of an epidemiological survey of 2675 women from the Project CHOICES settings including normative behavioral risks including drinking, drug use, psychological distress, attitudes, and inadequate contraception, 3). articulate key findings of intervention outcome such as change in risky drinking and inadequate contraception among 200+ women, 4). discuss feasibility issues in conducting the 4 session motivational enhancement therapy/ contraception counseling intervention and 5). identify areas for scientific development and highlight 2 new studies addressing this critical prevention need.
Keywords: Alcohol Use, Contraception
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
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.