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Characteristics of Low-income Racial/Ethnic Minority Pregnant Women Screening Positive for Alcohol Risk

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Abstract

The current study examined the prevalence and characteristics associated with alcohol risk among low-income, predominantly racial/ethnic minority pregnant women in an urban area. We surveyed 225 pregnant women receiving nutritional care. Twenty-six percent screened positive for alcohol risk. Current smoking status (AOR 2.9, p = 0.018, 95 % CI [1.2, 7.0]) and a history of marijuana use (AOR 3.1, p = 0.001, 95 % CI [1.6, 6.2]) were the strongest predictors of alcohol risk status. This study underscores the need for screening for alcohol risk, smoking, and illicit drug use among low-income, racial/ethnic minority pregnant women and highlights the usefulness of the TWEAK in identifying alcohol risk in WIC settings.

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Acknowledgments

This study was supported by an NIH Grant, 5P50DA027841.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Treatment Research Institute, 600 Public Ledger Building, 150 S. Independence Mall West, Philadelphia, PA, 19106, USA

    Yukiko Washio & Kimberly C. Kirby

  2. Alcohol Research Group, 6475 Christie Avenue, Suite 400, Emeryville, CA, 94608, USA

    Amy A. Mericle

  3. Applied Behavior Analysis Program, College of Education, Temple University, 1801 N. Broad St., Philadelphia, PA, 19122, USA

    Heather Cassey & Angela M. Daubert

Authors
  1. Yukiko Washio
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  2. Amy A. Mericle
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  3. Heather Cassey
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  4. Angela M. Daubert
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  5. Kimberly C. Kirby
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Yukiko Washio.

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This study was reviewed and approved by the IRB at Treatment Research Institute.

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Washio, Y., Mericle, A.A., Cassey, H. et al. Characteristics of Low-income Racial/Ethnic Minority Pregnant Women Screening Positive for Alcohol Risk. J Immigrant Minority Health 18, 850–855 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10903-015-0238-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10903-015-0238-5

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