Changes of drinking behavior in Korean pregnant women for the last 20 year

Abstract

Background The purpose of this study is to investigate the drinking behavior of Korean pregnant women in 2017 and to compare the changes of drinking status with the results of the research conducted in 1997 and 2008. Methods Pregnant women at one obstetrics and gynecology hospital and one university hospital were the subjects of the study. They were filled out questionnaire. Results The rate of positive responses to CAGE increased 16.0% in 2008 and 16.3% in 2017 compared to 11.8% in 1997 (P = 0.046). Blackout history rate was keep increasing from 1997 to 2017 (8.8% versus 27.7% versus 36.3%, P < 0.001). The rate of family history of alcohol was nearly doubled in 2017 (30.3%) compared to 1997 (17.6%) and 2008 (16.3) (P < 0.001). The rate of pregnant women who drink alcohol during pregnancy decreased from 57.5% in 1997 to 39.5% in 2008 and decreased to 25.6% in 2017 (P < 0.001). The rate of pregnant women who drink alcohol after knowing the pregnancy was decreased in 2017 (6.9%) compared to 2008 (23.5%) (P < 0.001). Conclusion According to the results of the study in 2017, the rate of pregnant women who drink alcohol after pregnancy was decreased compared to 1997 and 2008. However drinking behavior severity has increased in 2017.

Prenatal maternal alcohol exposure: diagnosis and prevention of fetal alcohol syndrome

“…Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) is a congenital fetal disorder caused by maternal alcohol consumption during pregnancy. Children with FAS present with characteristic facial features, growth retardation, and intellectual disability and may even have difficulties adjusting to society later by fetal programming [ 1 – 3 ]. Alcohol can affect fetal development in various ways, including any amount of alcohol consumed from 3 months before conception to the end of pregnancy.…”

“…According to Lee et al [ 9 ], approximately 16% of women were reported to drink alcohol during pregnancy, and 1.7% reported binge drinking in Korea. Moreover, the annual drinking rate among Korean women (over 19 years old) was higher in 2015 (70.8%) than in 1998 (59.3%) according to data from the Korea Health Promotion Institute [ 1 ]. The increasing rate of child-bearing-aged women who consume alcohol can be considered to increase the chance of alcohol exposure during pregnancy, whether intentionally or unintentionally.…”