scholarly journals Understanding the Relationship between Predictors of Alcohol Consumption in Pregnancy: Towards Effective Prevention of FASD

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (4) ◽  
pp. 1388 ◽  
Author(s):  
Isabel Corrales-Gutierrez ◽  
Ramon Mendoza ◽  
Diego Gomez-Baya ◽  
Fatima Leon-Larios
Keyword(s):  
Alcohol Consumption ◽  
Alcohol Intake ◽  
Prenatal Alcohol Exposure ◽  
Alcohol Exposure ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Structural Equations ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Effective Prevention ◽  
Wide Range

Background: Prenatal alcohol exposure can produce serious changes in neurodevelopment that last a lifetime, as well as a wide range of congenital abnormalities, and is the main non-hereditary, avoidable cause of intellectual disability in developed countries. It is therefore crucial to understand the determinants of alcohol consumption during pregnancy. This study is aimed at determining the factors that predict it, as well as the interactions between them. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out using a random sample of 426 pregnant women being treated at the outpatient clinic of a public university hospital in Seville (Spain), when they were in their twentieth week of pregnancy. A custom-designed questionnaire was used for data collection and applied in the course of an interview administered by trained health professionals. The data collected were analyzed using hierarchical regression, moderation analysis, and a structural equations model. Results: Alcohol consumption prior to pregnancy proved to be the most powerful predictor of alcohol intake during pregnancy. Other particularly significant predictors were the percentage of professionals who gave correct advice to the expectant mother—not to consume any alcohol during pregnancy—and perception of the risk from drinking wine during pregnancy. The number of pregnancies correlates positively with alcohol intake during pregnancy, while the expectant mother’s level of education correlates negatively. Conclusions: Identifying these predictive factors will allow the design of more effective fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) prevention strategies.

scholarly journals Use of complementary and alternative therapies by patients with eye diseases: a hospital-based cross-sectional study from Palestine

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Dania Jaber ◽  
Rafat Abu Ghannam ◽  
Waleed Rashed ◽  
Mohammad Shehadeh ◽  
Sa’ed H. Zyoud
Keyword(s):  
Patient Characteristics ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Alternative Therapies ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Complementary And Alternative Therapies ◽  
Source Of Information ◽  
Complementary And Alternative

Abstract Background Generally, complementary and alternative therapies (CAT) are accepted methods of treatment by patients with various types of conditions. Their use is becoming especially prevalent among patients with eye problems even in developed countries. Thus, we aimed to determine the pattern of use of CAT in this patient population, to identify the patient characteristics associated with the use of CAT, and to assess the types of CAT used. Methods A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted in Palestine at An-Najah National University Hospital between the time periods of October 2019 to May 2020, using questionnaire-based face to face interviews. Data were collected through convenience sampling. Patients responded to the questionnaire, which was focused on information adapted from previous research in this area, covering socio-demographic and clinical characteristics, types of CAT, source of information, and side effects on CAT use. Results A total of 86 patients were interviewed for our study. Over two thirds, 67% reported using CAT for the specific purpose of improving their eye condition, and about one third (29.1%) received more than one therapy. The most common therapies reported were duea’ (i.e. supplication) (47.1%) and herbal therapies (24.1%). It was shown that patients with bilateral involvement of their eyes were almost twice more likely to describe using CAT than patients with unilateral eye pathology (p = 0.006). Also, patients who underwent surgery as their route of treatment were significantly less likely to use CAT (p = 0.043). Most of our study participants mentioned a non-physician source as their source of information regarding CAT with family members being the most frequently mentioned (30.2%) followed by the internet (25.6%) and friends (19.8%). Conclusions The prevalence of CAT use among patients with eye disease is somewhat high in our study population. Because CAT may trigger adverse reactions, influence the progression of the disease, and interfere with conventional treatment, the ophthalmologist should frequently be asked patients with such diagnostics regarding the use of these therapies. Further work is required to analyze the mechanisms of action and to establish realistic guidelines for the use of these modalities.

scholarly journals Prenatal alcohol exposure programs offspring disease: Insulin resistance in adult males in a rat model of acute exposure

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tam M T Nguyen ◽  
Sarah E Steane ◽  
Karen M Moritz ◽  
Lisa K Akison
Keyword(s):  
Insulin Resistance ◽  
Blood Glucose ◽  
Chronic Disease ◽  
Alcohol Consumption ◽  
Fetal Development ◽  
Prenatal Alcohol Exposure ◽  
Alcohol Exposure ◽  
Metabolic Dysfunction ◽  
Specific Manner ◽  
Prenatal Alcohol

AbstractAlcohol consumption is highly prevalent amongst women of reproductive age. Given that approximately 50% of pregnancies are unplanned, alcohol has the potential to affect fetal development and program chronic disease in offspring. We examined the effect of an acute but moderate prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) on glucose metabolism, lipid levels and dietary preference in adolescent and/or adult rat offspring. Pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats received an oral gavage of ethanol (1g/kg maternal body weight, n=9 dams) or an equivalent volume of saline (control, n=8 dams) at embryonic days 13.5 and 14.5. PAE resulted in a blood alcohol concentration of 0.05-0.06% 1h post-gavage in dams. Fasting blood glucose concentration was not affected by PAE in offspring at any age, nor were blood glucose levels during a glucose tolerance test (GTT) in 6-month old offspring (P>0.5). However, there was evidence of insulin resistance in PAE male offspring at 6 months of age, with significantly elevated fasting plasma insulin (P= 0.001), a tendency for increased first phase insulin secretion during the GTT and impaired glucose clearance following an insulin challenge (P= 0.007). This was accompanied by modest alterations in protein kinase B (AKT) signalling in adipose tissue. PAE also resulted in reduced calorie consumption by offspring compared to controls (P= 0.04). These data suggest that a relatively low-level, acute PAE programs metabolic dysfunction in offspring in a sex-specific manner. These results highlight that alcohol consumption during pregnancy has the potential to affect the long-term health of offspring.Key points summaryPrenatal alcohol exposure has the potential to affect fetal development and program chronic disease in offspring.Previous preclinical models typically use high, chronic doses of alcohol throughout pregnancy to examine effects on offspring, particularly on the brain and behaviour.In this study we use a rat model of moderate, acute, prenatal alcohol exposure to determine if this can be detrimental to maintenance of glucose homeostasis in adolescent and adult offspring.Although female offspring were relatively unaffected, there was evidence of insulin resistance in 6-month old male offspring exposed to prenatal alcohol, suggestive of a pre-diabetic state.This result suggests that even a relatively low-dose, acute exposure to alcohol during pregnancy can still program metabolic dysfunction in a sex-specific manner.

scholarly journals Pregnant Women’s Risk Perception of the Teratogenic Effects of Alcohol Consumption in Pregnancy

2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (6) ◽  
pp. 907 ◽  
Author(s):  
Isabel Corrales-Gutierrez ◽  
Ramon Mendoza ◽  
Diego Gomez-Baya ◽  
Fatima Leon-Larios
Keyword(s):  
Risk Perception ◽  
Alcohol Consumption ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Lower Risk ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Alcohol Exposure ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Teratogenic Effects ◽  
Ample Evidence

There is ample evidence of the teratogenic effects of prenatal alcohol exposure, with long-term consequences throughout the entire life cycle. Nevertheless, research on risk perception of alcohol consumption among pregnant women is scarce. In order to analyze risk perception of alcohol consumption during pregnancy, a cross-sectional study was conducted with a random sample of 426 pregnant women (in their 20th week of gestation) receiving care at the outpatient clinics of a public university hospital in the southern European city of Seville (Spain). Data were collected through structured face-to-face interviews conducted by trained health professionals using a customized questionnaire. Data analysis included structural equation modeling. Only 48.1% of the sample indicated that the sequelae from alcohol consumption during pregnancy were life-long. The structural equation model showed that a lower risk perception about beer and wine consumption, and a lower educational level, were related to more frequent alcohol consumption. Younger participants showed lower risk perception concerning beer consumption. Higher levels of education were related to a greater risk perception of beer. Healthcare institutions should articulate programs that facilitate health advice regarding alcohol consumption during pregnancy, particularly when providing care for women with low educational levels.

Is carbohydrate-deficient transferrin in serum useful for detecting excessive alcohol consumption in hypertensive patients?

1994 ◽  
Vol 40 (11) ◽  
pp. 2057-2063 ◽  
Author(s):  
B Fagerberg ◽  
S Agewall ◽  
A Berglund ◽  
M Wysocki ◽  
P A Lundberg ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Alcohol Consumption ◽  
Alcohol Intake ◽  
High Alcohol ◽  
Clinical Value ◽  
Excessive Alcohol Consumption ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Hypertensive Patients ◽  
Carbohydrate Deficient Transferrin ◽  
Excessive Alcohol ◽  
High Alcohol Intake

Abstract The aim of this study was to examine the diagnostic usefulness of carbohydrate-deficient transferrin (CDT) in serum in a cross-sectional study of 439 treated hypertensive men. We related the results to alcohol intake by questionnaire and to biochemical and hemodynamic measurements known to reflect excessive alcohol consumption. The diagnostic sensitivity and the specificity for high alcohol intake (> or = 24 g/day of ethanol) were 44% and 87%, respectively. The group with reported high alcohol intake (n = 32) was characterized by hemodynamic and biochemical changes typical of alcohol abuse. The corresponding profile for the patients with increased serum CDT concentrations (n = 70) was different in several respects, indicating a considerable number of false-positive tests. We conclude that serum CDT determination had low sensitivity and specificity for excessive alcohol consumption in this group of hypertensive patients. The results illustrate the importance of evaluating new laboratory methods in unselected patient populations before drawing any conclusions about their clinical value.

scholarly journals Illness Perception and Adherence to Medication in Cardiovascular Patients at a Tertiary Hospital in Northern Cyprus

2019 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Abdikarim Mohamed Abdi ◽  
Begard Agha ◽  
Nevzat Birand ◽  
Bruke Berhanu Billoro
Keyword(s):  
Cardiovascular Disease ◽  
Treatment Adherence ◽  
Illness Perceptions ◽  
Illness Perception ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
P Value ◽  
Positive Perception ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Adherence To Medication ◽  
Wide Range

Background and Aims: The Patients diagnosed with cardiovascular disease are strongly recommended to adopt healthier behaviors and adhere to prescribed medication. The role of patients' illness perceptions in patient care and impact on health outcomes was studied previously in a wide range of health conditions. However, among patients with cardiovascular diseases, this has not been well examined. Purpose of this study was to assess treatment adherence, illness perception, and relationship between illness perception and treatment adherence in patients with cardiovascular disease. Study Design:  A cross-sectional descriptive study. Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted from November 2018 to January 2019 to all patients who admitted to the cardiology department of Near East University Hospital in North Cyprus. Methodology: A survey form of three sections were used to gathered data; a socio-demographic section, Brief Illness Perception Scale, and Brief Morisky Adherence Scale. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) for window version 20.0 software. P-value less than 0.05 were statistically significant. Results: The patients who participated in the study involved 49 (61.2%) male and 31 (38.8%) female. The mean ± SD age of the sampled group was 61.16 ± 12.60, with 15 (47.5%) being older than 65 years old. The Median (Max-Min) of the total Illness Perception Questionnaire positive perceptions shows significantly higher scores in males compared to female’s illness perception 52.0 (73.0 – 20.0) Vs. 41.0 (74.0 – 18.0), z=-2.297; p < 0.05, respectively. Also, university graduate patients had significantly higher positive perception scores compared to patients who graduated from only high schools or less 57.0 (71.0-40.0) Vs. 45.0 (74.0-20.0) and 43.0(68.0-18.0) df=2; p=0.013, respectively. Conclusion: There is a significant positive correlation between different subscales of perception scale, while higher positive perception scores were identified in adherent patients and males.  It is crucial to strengthen patients' illness perceptions, with especial consideration to emotional responses besides personal, treatment control, and disease understanding. We recommend an educational intervention in order to improve adherence.

scholarly journals Prenatal Alcohol and THC E-Cigarette Exposure Effects on Motor Development

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kristen Rian Breit ◽  
Cristina Rodriguez ◽  
Annie Lei ◽  
Samirah Hussain ◽  
Jennifer D. Thomas
Keyword(s):  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Motor Development ◽  
Motor Coordination ◽  
Prenatal Alcohol Exposure ◽  
Alcohol Exposure ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Sprague Dawley ◽  
Sensorimotor Development ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Prenatal Alcohol

It has been well established that prenatal alcohol exposure can lead to a wide range of neurological and behavioral deficits, including alterations in motor domains. However, much less is known about the effects of prenatal cannabis exposure on motor development, despite the fact that cannabis is the most commonly consumed illicit drug among women. Cannabis use among pregnant women has become increasingly popular given the wide-spread perception that consumption is safe during pregnancy. Moreover, alcohol and cannabis are commonly used together, even among pregnant women. Yet, few studies have explored the potential consequences of combined prenatal exposure on behavioral domains. Using our previously established model, pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to vaporized alcohol, THC via e-cigarettes, the combination, or a vehicle from gestational days 5-20. Following birth, offspring were tested on early sensorimotor development, adolescent motor coordination, and adolescent activity levels. Prenatal e-cigarette THC exposure delayed sensorimotor development early in life and impaired motor coordination later in adolescence. However, combined prenatal alcohol and THC exposure produced hyperactivity among male offspring. These data suggest that prenatal cannabis exposure may lead to impaired motor skills throughout early development, and that combined exposure with alcohol during gestation may also lead to hyperactivity in adolescence. These findings have important implications for pregnant women and public policy.

scholarly journals MODERATE, REGULAR ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION IS ASSOCIATED WITH HIGHER COGNITIVE FUNCTION IN OLDER COMMUNITY-DWELLING ADULTS

2016 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
E.T. Reas ◽  
G.A. Laughlin ◽  
D. Kritz-Silverstein ◽  
E. Barrett-Connor ◽  
L.K. McEvoy
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Alcohol Consumption ◽  
Sex Education ◽  
Visual Memory ◽  
Alcohol Intake ◽  
Neuropsychological Test ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Frequency Of Alcohol Intake ◽  
Self Assessed Health

Background: Evidence suggests that moderate alcohol consumption may protect against cognitive decline and dementia. However, uncertainty remains over the patterns of drinking that are most beneficial. Objective: To examine associations between amount and frequency of alcohol consumption with multiple domains of cognitive function in a well-characterized cohort of older community-dwelling adults in southern California. Design: Observational, cross-sectional cohort study. Setting: A research visit between 1988-1992 in Rancho Bernardo, California. Participants: 1624 participants of the Rancho Bernardo Study (mean age ± SD = 73.2 ± 9.3 years). Measurements: Participants completed a neuropsychological test battery, self-administered questionnaires on alcohol consumption and lifestyle, and a clinical health evaluation. We classified participants according to average amount of alcohol intake into never, former, moderate, heavy and excessive drinkers, and according to frequency of alcohol intake, into non-drinkers, rare, infrequent, frequent and daily drinkers. We examined the association between alcohol intake and cognitive function, controlling for age, sex, education, exercise, smoking, waist-hip ratio, hypertension and self-assessed health. Results: Amount and frequency of alcohol intake were significantly associated with cognitive function, even after controlling for potentially related health and lifestyle variables. Global and executive function showed positive linear associations with amount and frequency of alcohol intake, whereas visual memory showed an inverted U-shaped association with alcohol intake, with better performance for moderate and infrequent drinkers than for non-drinkers, excessive drinkers or daily drinkers. Conclusions: In several cognitive domains, moderate, regular alcohol intake was associated with better cognitive function relative to not drinking or drinking less frequently. This suggests that beneficial cognitive effects of alcohol intake may be achieved with low levels of drinking that are unlikely to be associated with adverse effects in an aging population.

scholarly journals Premenstrual syndrome and alcohol consumption: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BMJ Open ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. e019490 ◽  
Author(s):  
María del Mar Fernández ◽  
Jurgita Saulyte ◽  
Hazel M Inskip ◽  
Bahi Takkouche
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Alcohol Consumption ◽  
Premenstrual Syndrome ◽  
Alcohol Intake ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Harmful Effect ◽  
Personal Contact ◽  
Bibliographic Databases ◽  
Moderate Increase ◽  
Cross Sectional

ObjectivePremenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a very common disorder worldwide which carries an important economic burden. We conducted a systematic review and a meta-analysis to assess the role of alcohol in the occurrence of PMS.MethodsWe searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, the five regional bibliographic databases of the WHO, the Proceedings database and the Open Access Thesis and Dissertations (OATD) from inception to May 2017. We also reviewed the references of every article retrieved and established personal contact with researchers to trace further publications or reports. We did not include any language limitations. Studies were included if: (1) they presented original data from cohort, case-control or cross-sectional studies, (2) PMS was clearly defined as the outcome of interest, (3) one of the exposure factors was alcohol consumption, (4) they provided estimates of odds ratios, relative risks, or any other effect measure and their confidence intervals, or enough data to calculate them.ResultsWe identified 39 studies of which 19 were eligible. Intake of alcohol was associated with a moderate increase in the risk of PMS (OR=1.45, 95% CI: 1.17 to 1.79). Heavy drinking yielded a larger increase in the risk than any drinking (OR=1.79, 95% CI: 1.39 to 2.32).DiscussionOur results suggest that alcohol intake presents a moderate association with PMS risk. Future studies should avoid cross-sectional designs and focus on determining whether there is a threshold of alcohol intake under which the harmful effect on PMS is non-existent.

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