Reasons and obstacles for changing risky drinking behavior among Latinas at risk of an alcohol-exposed pregnancy

Abstract

This study examined reasons and obstacles for changing risky alcohol use behavior among Latina adults at risk of an alcohol-exposed pregnancy. Using qualitative methods, data from CHOICES Plus intervention sessions of Latinas (N = 59) were analyzed. Reasons for wanting to change risky alcohol use centered on health, parenting, interpersonal conflict, control, and risk of harm. Obstacles included social obstacles, belief that drinking was not risky, and drinking to manage mood. Differences were found across level of acculturation. Knowledge about salient motives and obstacles is critical to addressing the needs and strengths of Latinas at risk of an alcohol-exposed pregnancy.

Keywords:

• Acculturation
• alcohol-exposed pregnancy
• cultural factors
• Latinas
• qualitative methods

Disclosure statement

The authors report no known conflict of interest.

Additional information

Funding

This research was supported by a grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Cooperative Agreement U84DD000438 (Velasquez) and a Research Supplement to Promote Diversity by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism R01AA022924 (Velasquez). The findings and conclusions are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official position of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism of the National Institutes of Health.