This fact sheet is an analysis of data about alcohol and pregnancy collected in HPA’s 2013 Attitudes and Behaviour towards Alcohol Survey (ABAS). ABAS is an annual survey about alcohol that focuses on New Zealander’s drinking behaviour and attitudes towards alcohol use. It includes one question on the acceptability of drinking small amounts of alcohol during pregnancy.
Methodology
The 2013 ABAS asked people (15+ years) about their agreement with the statement: "During pregnancy drinking small amounts of alcohol is OK". Responses were collected on a five-point scale ranging from ‘strongly agree’ to ‘strongly disagree’. Responses were compared by gender, ethnicity, age, household income, and patterns of alcohol consumption. Statistically significant differences (p < .05) are reported.
Key Results
• The majority of New Zealanders (15+ years) believe that drinking even small amounts of alcohol is not acceptable during pregnancy.
• Attitudes towards drinking during pregnancy vary according to gender. Females are more likely than males to disagree that drinking small amounts of alcohol during pregnancy is acceptable.