Binder A, Hanke S, Petersen KU, et al. [Opinions on Alcohol Consumption During Pregnancy and The Role of The Medical Staff as an Expert in This Regard – A Grounded Theory Analysis of Online Forum Discussions]. Zeitschrift fur Geburtshilfe und Neonatologie. 2020 Nov. DOI: 10.1055/a-1299-2342.
Abstract
BACKGROUND:
Alcohol consumption during pregnancy carries many risks for the unborn child. Despite preventive measures, some pregnant women consume alcohol. The aim of this study is to identify possible reasons for consumption during pregnancy and also to shed light on the attribution of an expert role to medical professionals by those affected.
METHODS:
In this study, 9 discussion threads from online forums on the topic of alcohol consumption during pregnancy with a total of 115 discussion participants were analyzed using grounded theory. The discursive validation of the results took place in the research team.
RESULTS:
It turned out that the individual definition of the mother role has an influence on consumer behavior. Women who are very concerned about the child’s well-being occasionally used alcohol in stressful situations or on social occasions, but often reported a guilty conscience after the consumption. Women who gave more weight to their own needs were more likely to consume for pleasure or because they felt they were being patronized by prohibitions. An equitable doctor-patient relationship and detailed, non-directive information were identified as beneficial factors for ascribing the expert role to the gynecologist. On the other hand, a paternalistic attitude and the issuing of bans proved to be a hindrance.
DISCUSSION:
All women showed a high need for information about alcohol consumption during pregnancy. The doctor-patient relationship seems to play an important role in conveying information. In addition, it became clear that the desire for support in women striving for abstinence is not being sufficiently fulfilled.
CONCLUSION:
Alcohol consumption during pregnancy should be addressed regularly in the care of all pregnant women. In addition to information on consumption risks, information on support offers is relevant.
Retrieved from https://europepmc.org/article/med/33242896