Alcohol use and self-perceived mental health status among pregnant and breastfeeding women in Canada: a secondary data analysis

ObjectiveTo estimate the prevalence of alcohol consumption during pregnancy and while breastfeeding in Canada from 2003 to 2010, and to test the relation between self-perceived mental health status and alcohol consumption during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. DesignSecondary analysis of four cycles of the Canadian Community Health Survey, a population-based cross-sectional survey. SettingCanada. SampleA total of 18612 pregnant and 15836 breastfeeding women. MethodsThe prevalence of alcohol consumption during pregnancy and while breastfeeding and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated by province and territory, and cycle. The relation between self-perceived mental health status and alcoholconsumption during pregnancy and while breastfeedingwas explored using quasi-Poisson regression models. Main outcome measuresAlcohol consumption during pregnancy and while breastfeeding, and self-perceived mental health status. ResultsIn Canada, between 2003 and 2010, approximately one in every ten pregnant women (9.9%; 95%CI 9.2-10.5%) and two in every ten breastfeeding women (20.3%; 95%CI 19.4-21.2%) women consumed alcohol. Women with a lower self-perceived mental health status (i.e. good') were 1.40 (95%CI 1.18-1.67, P<0.001) times more likely to have consumed alcohol during pregnancy, compared with women with an excellent' self-perceived mental health. There were no notable differences between the categories of mental health status in regard to alcohol consumption while breastfeeding. ConclusionDespite public health efforts in Canada, a significant proportion of pregnant and breastfeeding women consume alcohol. It is imperative that a standard screening protocol be initiated among pregnant and breastfeeding women, especially in high-risk populations (e.g. women utilising substance abuse treatment programs). Tweetable abstractIn Canada in 2003-2010, approximately 10% of pregnant and 20% of breastfeeding women consumed alcohol. Tweetable abstract In Canada in 2003-2010, approximately 10% of pregnant and 20% of breastfeeding women consumed alcohol.