Knowledge and perceptions of alcohol use during pregnancy: what do the French say in 2025?
Introduction - To reduce the risks of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders and promote the “zero alcohol during pregnancy” guideline, several measures have been implemented in France, including health warnings (pictograms) on alcohol bottles and regular prevention campaigns. This study aims to describe the knowledge and perceptions of the French population regarding this issue in 2025. Method - Data were collected through a cross-sectional telephone survey conducted in mainland France in 2025, using a quota sample of 1,001 individuals aged 15 and over. Results - In 2025, 88% of respondents reported awareness of the “zero alcohol during pregnancy” guideline, with no gender difference. Half (51%) believed there is a risk from the first drink, and 46% thought the risk is the same at any stage of pregnancy. Beer was perceived as less harmful than wine by 26% of respondents. Sociodemographic differences were observed in knowledge indicators: women and respondents from higher socioeconomic groups had slightly higher levels of knowledge than men and low socioeconomic status respondents. On the contrary, the heaviest drinkers had lower levels. Three-quarters of respondents found it shocking to see a pregnant woman drinking alcohol; 71% had noticed the pictogram on bottles and 86% supported making it more visible. For people who had an (right or wrong) opinion on the health precautions that pregnant women should take, the main sources of information on alcohol-related risks in pregnant women were relatives (61%), followed by media (38%) and healthcare professionals (32%). Three-quarters of respondents believe that the people around pregnant women (partner, relatives, wider social circle) should get involved to help them avoid drinking during pregnancy, and 45% believe that not drinking in front of a pregnant woman can help her avoid drinking. Conclusion - A gap remains between awareness of the “zero alcohol during pregnancy” guideline and perceptions of risk levels for low alcohol consumption, but comparison with previous survey waves showed positive trends. Continued communication with a broad audience is necessary to improve awareness and perception of the alcohol-related risk during pregnancy even for small amount and to support pregnant women.
8th European FASD Conference, Amiens, 14-16 septembre 2026
Author(s): Quatremère Guillemette, Guignard Romain, Andler Raphaël, Barry Yaya, Demiguel Virginie, Nguyen-Thanh Viêt
Publishing year: 2026
Pages: 10 p.
Format/Duration: diaporama, 10 slides
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