Development of Education Materials for Prevention of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) in Russia

The study utilizes a randomized controlled trial design to test the two types of brochures (with positive vs. negative images and statements) to determine if either approach has more effect on women's alcohol consumption.

Pregnant and non-pregnant childbearing age women will be recruited at women's clinics and randomly assigned to participate in one of three groups: (1) participants will review the brochures that present information on FAS and alcohol use in pregnancy with positive images, (2) participants will review the brochures that that present information on FAS and alcohol use in pregnancy with negative, vivid images, and (3) participants will receive a general health information material that is available at their local clinics.

All study participants will complete a baseline survey assessing their attitudes toward drinking during pregnancy, knowledge of FAS, and current alcohol use. After that, the intervention will be conducted. The women in the two experimental groups will receive a brochure with either positive (IGP) or negative (IGN) images. The women will be asked to read one of two brochures in the presence of the data collector. If the participants ask questions, the data collector will redirect the participants to material in the brochure. Following the intervention, the women in the experimental groups will complete a brief questionnaire to assess their emotional responses to the materials and perceived effects. The women assigned to the control group (CG) will be asked to read a brochure on general aspects of women's' health. At a one-month follow-up, women in all three groups will complete a post-test of self-reported alcohol consumption, knowledge about prenatal effects of alcohol and FAS, and attitudes to drinking during pregnancy.