Alcohol consumption during pregnancy poses serious risks to maternal and child health, including fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS). However, Ukraine currently lacks a standardised counselling approach to support pregnant women in addressing alcohol use. Conducted as part of JA PreventNCD, this study explores the feasibility of introducing a counselling model based on the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT-C) into routine antenatal care.
Researchers conducted three online focus group discussions with healthcare professionals and women of reproductive age in Kyiv, Ukraine. The study identified several barriers to implementing the proposed model, including limited consultation time, insufficient training in motivational interviewing and stigma surrounding alcohol use during pregnancy. Women also demonstrated limited awareness of fetal alcohol syndrome and highlighted the need for more accessible, reliable information about alcohol-related risks.
The findings suggest that an AUDIT-C-based approach, combining alcohol screening, brief counselling and referral to specialist support where needed, could strengthen prevention efforts within routine antenatal care. The study highlights the importance of training healthcare professionals, promoting non-judgemental communication and improving access to clear, evidence-based information. These insights provide a foundation for further development and evaluation of the proposed counselling model in Ukraine.
Read the full paper in Modern Pediatrics. Ukraine: