Abstract

AIM: To study abnormal alcohol ingestion among parents and family dysfunction of pregnant and non pregnant teenagers. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Pregnant and non pregnant girls from 12 to 18 years old consulting in the Teenager Health Unit of a public hospital outpatient clinic were studied. Their degree of instruction attained, marital status, social behavior, alcohol, drug intake and history of child abuse was recorded. The level of instruction, marital status, alcohol ingestion and work stability of their fathers was also studied. RESULTS: One hundred sixteen pregnant and 60 non pregnant teenagers were studied. The fathers of pregnant girls had a higher level of alcohol consumption, more civil irregularities and a higher level of family dysfunction. Among these girls, a higher frequency of neurological abnormalities and fetal alcohol syndrome was observed. They had also a lower educational level and a higher degree of alcohol and drug use. CONCLUSIONS: Alcohol consumption among parents leads to family dysfunction and has adverse physical, intellectual and social consequences in the offspring.