The results show an encouraging trend. A study of Public health France published on Tuesday asked French people about their knowledge of “zero alcohol” during pregnancy and their perception of the risk of alcohol consumption during this period, from 2004 to 2020. Data from the health agency reveal that in 2020 , nearly 90% of respondents are aware of the “zero alcohol” recommendation, an increase of ten points over the period studied.
“Despite improvements, there is still a gap between knowledge of zero alcohol during pregnancy and perceptions of levels of risky consumption for low quantities”, nevertheless notes Public Health France.
While awareness of the risk of consuming alcohol is almost equal among women and men (91% versus 90%), the risk of consumption from the first drink is underestimated by men (35%), by compared to women (56%). The people surveyed were also confronted with two received “false good ideas”: it is advisable to drink a small glass of wine from time to time during pregnancy; it is advisable to drink a little beer while breastfeeding. The correct answer to both of these questions is no.
It is necessary to “reinforce the knowledge of men” on the subject
“25-34 year olds are significantly more likely to agree that you should not drink alcohol during pregnancy (95% of 25-34 year olds), that it is not advisable to drink wine during pregnancy (91%) and drinking beer while breastfeeding (88%)”, reveals the study.
Two other variables also affect the answers given. People with a level of education equal to or higher than the baccalaureate responded better to the three recommendations (92% against 87% on “zero alcohol”). The French who already have children also gave more correct answers than the others.
Public Health France welcomes the results of this study but intends to raise awareness. “Furthermore, even if the gaps are decreasing between men and women on several indicators, it still seems important to strengthen knowledge among men, since the partner’s consumption behavior, his support during pregnancy, as well as the norm of this one on this subject has an impact on the consumption of pregnant women”, concludes the agency.