Short summary

In this cohort we will examine effects of systematical screening for use of alcohol during pregnancy in a general population of pregnant women. Thus, we will describe the frequency of pregnant women with a potentially harmful alcohol intake using two different screening criteria, and characterize the screen-positive women. Moreover, among screen-positive women, we will describe the frequency of women rejecting to join an intervention programme. Finaly, we will describe use of antenatal care services among the screen-positive women.

Rationale

While, it is well-documented that heavy drinking of alcohol during pregnancy can have detrimental effects on the unborn child, the consequences of light-moderate alcohol consumption in pregnancy are less clear. Early intervention programmes can reduce the risk to the unborn child, but early intervention depends on early detection. Several screening tools for alcohol use have been validated in pregnant women, but effects of systematically screening a general population of pregnant women have yet to be examined. In this study, we therefore want to describe:

I. The frequency of screen-positive pregnant women at Odense University Hospital (OUH) using the current official Danish screening criteria. Also, we will describe predictors for a screen-positive answer using these criteria. 

II. The frequency of screen-positive pregnant women at OUH using the validated screening-instrument TWEAK. Also, we will describe predictors for a screen-positive answer using these criteria. 

III. The frequency of screen-positive pregnant women at OUH rejecting an intervention programme. Also, we will describe predictors for screen-positive rejecting the intervention programme. 

IV. Number and types of antenatal healthcare services used by screen-positive women at OUH. 

Description of the cohort

The cohort consists of all pregnant women referred to Odense University Hospital between 2017 11.21. and 2018 10.1. completing a web-based questionnaire prior to their first antenatal care visit in the Department of Obstetrics (n=5,000). 

Data and biological material

From the completed web-based questionnaires, we will include information on the main outcome; alcohol consumption in pregnancy. To describe predictors for screen-negative and screen-positive women, self-reported information on physical and mental health, and obstetric history will be included. Moreover, to describe the antenatal healthcare services used by the screen-positive women, we will include information on the level of care offered and information on the clinical meetings (number and type of clinician) from the women's medical records.

Collaborating researchers and departments

The Research Unit of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, and Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Odense University Hospital

• Professor Ellen Aagaard Nøhr, PhD.
• Ph.D.-student Louise Katrine Kjær Weile.

Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, The Research Unit Women's and Children's Health, Juliane Marie Centre, Copenhagen University Hospital, and Department of Obstetrics, Copenhagen University Hospital

• Senior researcher Hanne Kirstine Hegaard, PhD.

Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, and Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Herlev and Gentofte Hospital

• Professor Ulrik Schiøler Kesmodel, PhD

Thr Perinatal Epidemiology Research Unit, Department of Paediatrics, Aarhus University and Aarhus University Hospital

• Professor Tine Brink Henriksen, PhD

Publications associated with the project

One publication is planned:

Can a web-based questionnaire optimize the detection of prenatal alcohol exposure?