Jane Thacker

Publication Date

1992

Document Type

Dissertation/Thesis

First Advisor

King, Sondra L.

Degree Name

M.S. (Master of Science)

Legacy Department

Department of Human and Family Resources

LCSH

Alcoholism in pregnancy; Fetal alcohol syndrome; Alcoholism--Diagnosis

Abstract

Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) is the leading cause of birth defects, including mental retardation, in the United States. There is no known safe level of alcohol consumption during pregnancy; therefore, prevention is of paramount importance. This study was designed to determine the extent of screening by obstetricians/gynecologists for potential alcohol abuse among patients of childbearing years. The subjects were obstetricians/gynecologists practicing in Illinois who responded to a survey asking questions about screening processes for alcohol abuse among female patients 15 - 44 years of age. Hypothetical situations, personal opinions on the treatment of alcoholism and demographics were also included in the survey. One- hundred-nine surveys were returned representing a 13.6 percent return rate. Seventy-eight percent of the respondents reported always asking their patients about drinking alcohol, 74 percent preferred a verbal inquiry, and 21 percent preferred a verbal and written inquiry. Eighty-four percent reported always asking patients if they drank since becoming pregnant, 72 percent preferred a verbal inquiry, and 22 percent a verbal and written inquiry. Physicians were asked if they utilized any of the 3 established screening methods to assess alcohol abuse (CAGE, Michigan Alcohol Screening Test [MAST] and The Ten Question Drinking History [TQDH], which is specifically designed to identify heavy drinking among obstetric patients). Eighty-one percent reported not using any type of questionnaire, 10 percent indicated •'other" category. Each of the formal screening methods was used less than 1 percent. Strong support for the value of screening and early diagnosis is provided by numerous studies indicating the benefits of intervention and treatment for persons selected through the screening process. This study found that obstetricians/gynecologists inquire about alcohol consumption among their patients; however, they are not routinely using tools which have been shown effective in identifying alcohol abuse.

Comments

Includes bibliographical references (pages 28-29)

Extent

iv, 68 pages

Language

eng

Publisher

Northern Illinois University

Rights Statement

In Copyright

Rights Statement 2

NIU theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from Huskie Commons for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without the written permission of the authors.

Media Type

Text

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