Prevalence of Alcohol Use, Screening, and Counseling Among Postpartum Persons: Six U.S. States, 2019 [A290]. (May 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Board, Amy; Park, Youngjoo; Denny, Clark H.; Salveson von Essen, Beatriz; Miele, Kathryn; D'Angelo, Denise V.
• Is Part Of: Obstetrics and gynecology. Volume 139(2022)Supplement 1
• Page Start: 84S
• Page End: 84S
• Publication Date: 2022-05
• Subjects: Obstetrics -- Periodicals; Gynecology -- Periodicals; 618
• DOI: 10.1097/01.AOG.0000825720.19010.94
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0029-7844

Abstract

Abstract : INTRODUCTION: The postpartum period presents an opportunity to engage patients in discussions on alcohol use and associated risks for the mother and infant. This study examined the prevalence of postpartum alcohol use, screening, and counseling. METHODS: We analyzed 2019 data from a telephone follow-up survey (10 months postpartum) among individuals with a recent live birth who responded to the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System in six U.S. states with high rates of opioid overdose. Weighted prevalence estimates were calculated for alcohol use, screening, and counseling since birth, overall and among subgroups at risk of future alcohol-exposed pregnancies. RESULTS: Among 1, 790 respondents (response rate=67.1%), 51.5% reported consuming alcohol and 15.6% reported binge drinking. Among those who drank postpartum, 70.5% reported being asked about alcohol use by a health care provider; prevalence was lower for those trying to get pregnant (55.2%) and those not using birth control (60.8%) at the time of the survey. Approximately 1 in 4 respondents who drank alcohol postpartum reported being advised about risky alcohol levels by a health care provider during the postpartum period. Of individuals who drank alcohol postpartum and were currently pregnant, 11% had been advised to reduce or quit drinking. Only 1.6% of individuals who drank alcohol postpartum and were trying to get pregnant were advised to reduce or quit drinking. CONCLUSION: Postpartum alcohol screening and counseling was lower among individuals not currently using birth control and respondents trying to get pregnant who drank postpartum, indicating missed opportunities to promote patient health and reduce alcohol-exposed pregnancies.