Pregnancy and Alcohol: Changes in Knowledge and Perceptions Among the French Between 2004 and 2020
Introduction – Alcohol consumption during pregnancy poses risks to fetal development. As a precautionary measure, it is recommended to abstain from alcohol throughout pregnancy and to avoid drinking while breastfeeding. The objective of this study is to describe changes in the knowledge and perceptions of the French public on this subject between 2004 and 2020. Method – The data used come from a repeated cross-sectional telephone survey conducted in metropolitan France in 2004, 2007, 2015, 2017, and 2020 among a sample of 1,000 people per wave, aged 15 and older, selected using the quota method. Results – The recommendation of “zero alcohol during pregnancy” has gradually become established in the public’s perception: 90% of respondents were aware of it in 2020 (+10 percentage points between 2004 and 2020), with no difference by gender. Nearly half (46%) state that there is a risk starting with the first drink (+24 percentage points). The proportion of those who state that a drink on special occasions poses no risk was halved between 2004 and 2020 (48% vs. 25%). Sociodemographic differences remain in 2020. The main source of information for women was family and friends (42%), followed by healthcare professionals (38%) and the media (37%). Conclusion – Despite improvements, there is still a gap between awareness of “zero alcohol during pregnancy” and perceptions of what constitutes risky consumption levels for small amounts. It appears necessary to continue communicating with a broad audience.
Author(s): Quatremère Guillemette, Andler Raphaël, Gorza Maud, Beck François, Nguyen-Thanh Viêt
Publishing year: 2023
Pages: 320-328
Weekly Epidemiological Bulletin, 2023, n° 17, p. 320-328
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