Date of Defense

4-24-1992

Department

Psychology

First Advisor

Dr. Lisa baker

Second Advisor

Dr. Richard Malott

Abstract

Although the number of women who abuse or have a problem with alcohol has not steadily increased over the years, the patterns and age distribution of alcohol in women is changing. Women are beginning to drink at a younger age and poor education as well as low income are often characteristics of women who drink during pregnancy. Research in the area of alcohol teratogenicity has expanded in response to these changes. Studies have repeatedly proven that moderate to heavy doses of alcohol can cause birth abnormalities which last throughout the infant's lifetime.

Testing techniques are a very essential part in preserving the reliability of a study researching abusive substances. The behavioral effects of prenatal exposure to alcohol are many in number and vary in severity according to dose-dependent measures. There is new research into the hypothesis of prostaglandin inhibitors reducing alcohol-related birth abnormalities.

The following study is a collection of data pertaining to the alcohol consumption among pregnant women in the Kalamazoo area. The data are analyzed with respect to education, income, past drug use, parental alcohol consumption, and current cigarette use. Although many out-patient clinics offer help to women who have problems with alcohol, some women do not reach out to these programs for various reasons. Changes in the present status of out-patient care for women who have dependence on alcohol are needed for the future.

Access Setting

Honors Thesis-Campus Only

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