Abstract Text: Methods: A systematic random sample of 6798 households in North Dakota was interviewed via a telephone survey in 1997 using a nationally standardized questionnaire. Approximately, 7% of the respondents were lifetime abstainers; 22% were previous alcohol users; 42% were current users; and 29% used alcohol in the past 18 months but not past month. Approximately, 43% of the respondents reported having one or more children. Results: Statistically significant associations were found between alcohol use status and children's risk factors. Pearson chi-square tests showed that parents reporting lifetime abstainers are much less likely to report having children with such risk factors as shorter than average height, learning problems, behavior problems, and hyperactive. The study also found that alcohol users in the past drinkers are more likely than current drinkers to report children with fetal alcohol syndrome. Conclusion: There is clear evidence that alcohol use by parents is strongly associated with children's physical and psychological health. This presentation will discuss the findings and its implications for public health policies.
Learning Objectives: Attendees will learn about the effect of parent's alcohol use on children.
Keywords: Alcohol Use,
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.