Alcohol and Parenting: The Effects of Maternal Heavy Drinking - October 1998

7. Policy Implications

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The relatively unresearched topic of this study, the correlational nature of the results, the studies limitations, and the fact that heterogeneous populations are involved temper bold policy conclusions. Yet, the consistency of the findings across measures and sources argues for initiation and implementation of specific research priorities, information dissemination efforts, and pilot programs.

(1) The effect of heavy maternal drinking on the developing child is a cost which needs to be included in the litany of negative outcomes associated with this behaviour. It is a cost which is likely multiplied through successive generations, with offspring more likely to also be abusers and possess comorbid psychopathology. This is but another consequence of inappropriate use of alcohol in a list of negativity which is relatively ignored by society. Prioritized research, intervention, and public awareness campaigns are needed. A Canadian Institute of Health Research dedicated to alcohol and drug studies would provide such awareness and direction.

(2) Specifically, maternal drinking needs to become more of a research and interventions priority. Specifically, prenatal effects need to be separated from the effects of heavy drinking so that maternal parenting responsibilities can also become the legitimate concern that these results would suggest. Also in need of more exploration and public dissemination are the contributing and interactive effects of factors like intact-nonintact family status and their interaction with heavy drinking.

(3) The children of heavy-drinking mothers are a risk group, even if the mother did not drink during pregnancy. Many questions require further investigation; e.g., which maternal parenting behaviours do these heavy-drinking mothers display that increase or decrease the likelihood of problems for her children? Is it an issue of the mother's mental health, and what exactly are the risk characteristics of these at risk children? Sufficient effort, currently lacking, needs to be directed toward answering these questions. This knowledge is necessary, as targeted interventions are typically superior to general efforts. However, before these answers are available, relevant government and social agencies, professionals, and the population at large must be sensitized to this issue. Information dissemination through publications, circulars, conferences, and supported speaker/consultants needs to be undertaken. Importantly, the relatively recent interest in women's drinking and drug problems needs to be extended to the operative level reflected in differential empirically supported interventions.

(4) Finally, the obvious needs to be restated: parenting, per se, essential for a society's survival, deserves attention concomitant with its significance.

Appendix

Questionnaire Items Analyzed by Drinking Group*

Family Characteristics
Children in Household
Age of Mother and Father
Socio Economic Status
Dwelling Ownership
Times Pregnant
Age at First Birth
Family Functioning Score
Current Working Status
Reasons not Employed
Sought Help from Professional
Sought Help from Religion/Community
Social Support Score

Maternal Ratings of Child, 2-11
Hyperactivity/Inattention
Prosocial Behaviour
Emotional Disorder-Anxiety
Physical Aggression
Separation Anxiety
Positive Interactions
Hostile/Ineffective Parenting
Indirect Aggression
Property Offences

Teacher's Rating of Child
Parents' School Involvement
(Return Teacher Calls, Attend Meetings)
Thinks School is Important
(Supports Teacher, Helps in Class)
Hyperactivity
Prosociality
Emotionality
Conduct Disorder/Aggression
*Italic print represents composite scores.

Maternal Health
General Heal, Chronic Conditions
Food and other Allergies
Asthma and Asthma Attacks
Arthritis or Rheumatism
Back Problems
High Blood Pressure
Migraine Headaches
Bronchitis or Emphysema
Diabetes, Sinusitis, Epilepsy
Heart Disease, Cancer
Ulcers, Acne
Smoke Cigarettes
Depression Score
Drank During Pregnancy

Child's Self-Ratings
Indirect Aggression
Emotional Disorder
Conduct Disorder/Physical Aggression
Hyperactivity/Inattention
Prosociality
Difficult Behaviour
Get along with and liked by other kids Worry due to: death of parent, death in family, divorce, move, stay in hospital, foster home, separation, illness, abuse, change, mental health of parent, conflict with parent. Hours in Activities: sports, art lessons, community groups, video games, television, plays alone In past year, number of times drank, ran away, skipped school, stayed out late, questioned by police.

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