ABSTRACT

Introduction: Alcohol consumption during pregnancy is a significant public health challenge since it causes impairment in fetal development.

Objectives: This study investigated alcohol consumption among pregnant women in Molyko, Cameroon, focusing on risk factors, preventive measures, and knowledge gaps. Specifically, the study seeks to, identify factors influencing alcohol use during pregnancy, assess preventive strategies, and evaluate awareness of alcohol-related complications. Method: Using a cross-sectional design, 100 pregnant women were selected through stratified random sampling from antenatal clinics. Data was collected via structured questionnaires administered through face-to-face interviews. Descriptive statistics (frequencies, percentages) and inferential tests (chi-square) were used to analyze Sociodemographic influences, drinking patterns, and knowledge levels.

Conclusion: Key findings revealed pre-pregnancy drinking (92%), peer influence (85%), and low education (82%) as major risk factors, while healthcare counseling (89%) and community programs (95%) were effective prevention tools. Despite 83% general awareness of risks, only 46% knew about fetal alcohol syndrome (FASD), highlighting critical education gaps.

Recommendation: The study recommends targeted health campaigns, policy reforms on alcohol sales, and family-centered support to reduce harms.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.0. Introduction

This chapter will be addressing background of the study, problem statement, justification of study, significances, scope of study, and definition of terms.

1.1 Background of the study

The consumption of alcohol during pregnancy has long been a subject of medical concern due to its potential to cause significant harm to fetal development. Over the past century, numerous studies have identified various factors influencing alcohol use during pregnancy and have led to the development of preventive measures aimed at reducing the occurrence of alcohol consumption among pregnant women.

The first major recognition of the dangers of alcohol during pregnancy came in the 1970s when researchers began identifying a range of birth defects, including mental retardation, facial abnormalities, and growth restrictions, which were linked to alcohol consumption.

Alcohol consumption during pregnancy remains a significant public health concern worldwide, with varying prevalence rates across regions. Globally, about 10% of pregnant women consume alcohol, with higher rates in low-income areas due to factors like limited education and healthcare access (World Health Organization, 2014). In Africa, particularly in countries like South Africa and Nigeria, the rates range from 17% to 23%, influenced by cultural norms and social factors (May et al., 2013; Nkem et al., 2018). In Cameroon, around 15% of pregnant women engage in alcohol consumption, with variations based on education, socioeconomic status, and awareness (Miller et al., 2015).

In the Molyko community in Buea, alcohol consumption among pregnant women is influenced by traditional beliefs, social gatherings, and a lack of awareness, with 14-20%  of pregnant women reportedly consuming alcohol (Nkem et al., 2018). Preventive measures globally include health education, screening, and community awareness, but more targeted efforts are needed in local communities to reduce alcohol consumption and its risks during pregnancy (Gupta et al., 2017).

Alcohol consumption during pregnancy continues to be a significant public health issue that requires multi-faceted approaches for prevention. The factors associated with alcohol use during pregnancy, including sociodemographic characteristics like age, educational level, marital status, socioeconomic status, mental health, and cultural influences, vary across populations (May et al., 2018). Preventive measures, such as public health campaigns, a healthcare provider interventions, behavioral therapies, and policy changes, have been shown to reduce alcohol consumption and its harmful effects on fetal development. However, there is still much work to be done to ensure that all pregnant women have access to the necessary education, resources, and support to avoid alcohol consumption during pregnancy and promote healthy outcomes for both mothers and their children.

By the 2000s, more targeted behavioral and psychological interventions emerged, offering support to pregnant women with alcohol use issues. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and screening and brief intervention (SBI) techniques were implemented to help women reduce or eliminate alcohol consumption during pregnancy), and Social Cognitive Theory (SCT), to explain the factors that contribute to alcohol consumption during pregnancy and the measures that can be implemented to prevent it. One of the most widely applied psychological frameworks to understand human behavior, including alcohol consumption, is the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) developed by Ajzen (1991). This theory posits that human behavior is influenced by three main factors: attitude, subjective norm and perceived behavioral control (Ajzen, 1991). The Health Belief Model (HBM) which is another widely used theoretical framework in public health that focuses on how individuals’ beliefs about health risks and benefits influence their behaviors (Rosenstock, 1974). According to the HBM, individuals are more likely to engage in health-promoting behavior if they perceive: Susceptibility to a health risk, severity of the health risk, benefits of engaging in a protective behavior and barriers to engaging in that protective behavior (Becker’s, 1974).

A study conducted in the Molyko community of Buea revealed significant insights into this issue (Njoh et al.,2020).  The findings indicated that alcohol use during pregnancy is influenced by multiple factors, such as socio-demographic characteristics, cultural practices, and levels of awareness regarding the risks associated with prenatal alcohol exposure (Njoh et al., 2020). These insights underscore the need for targeted interventions that consider the unique socio-cultural context of the Molyko community. Preventive measures have been explored in various settings to address this concern. For instance, a report by the World Health Organization (WHO, 2024) reviewed interventions aimed at preventing alcohol exposure during pregnancy, highlighting strategies such as public health campaigns, educational programs, and policy initiatives.  These strategies emphasize the importance of providing clear, evidence-based information about the risks of alcohol consumption during pregnancy and promoting supportive environments that encourage abstinence (WHO, 2014).

1.2 Statement problem:

Alcohol consumption during pregnancy remains a persistent public health concern, particularly in developing regions where awareness and preventive measures are limited. Despite the known risks associated with prenatal alcohol exposure such as fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs), low birth weight, and developmental delays.

Many women continue to consume alcohol due to socio-cultural norms, low health literacy, and limited access to antenatal counseling (WHO, 2014; May et al., 2018). In fact, global estimates that approximately 9.8% of women consume alcohol during pregnancy, with significantly higher rates in certain regions (Popova et al., 2017). Observations and community reports in Molyko suggest that alcohol use among pregnant women is not only prevalent but often socially tolerated, especially during social gatherings and ceremonies.

During personal community engagements and informal interviews with local healthcare providers in Molyko, I observed that several expectant mothers admitted to occasional alcohol use, citing reasons ranging from stress relief and peer pressure to ignorance about its harm. These encounters revealed a significant gap in health education and support that should be put in place for women during pregnancy.

Furthermore, a study by Njoh et al., (2020) in Molyko highlighted that 27.5% of pregnant women consume alcohol. Given the potential harm to both mother and child, and the apparent normalization of alcohol use among pregnant women in this setting, there is a critical need for evidence-based interventions tailored to the local context.

Understanding the root causes and developing culturally sensitive preventing strategies are essential steps towards promoting healthier maternal and child health, and also to identify key factors associated with this behavior in Molyko community so as to mitigate this public health concern.

1.3 Objective

1.3.1. General objective:

To investigate the factors associated with alcohol use during pregnancy and evaluate the effectiveness of preventive measures among pregnant women in Molyko community Cameroon.

1.3.2 Specific objective:

1. To assess factors associated with alcohol consumption among pregnant women in the Molyko community.
2. To assess the preventive measures used by pregnant women to abstain from alcohol consumption in the Molyko community.
3. To assess the knowledge on the complications associated with alcohol consumption among pregnant in the Molyko community.

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