Development of the Safe Start Intervention: A Computer- and Nurse-Delivered Alcohol Reduction Intervention for Pregnant Women.

AIMS: Despite the potential harms of prenatal alcohol exposure, drinking during pregnancy remains a pressing public health concern. Efficacious interventions to reduce alcohol use among pregnant women that can be implemented within prenatal care are urgently needed. This paper describes the development and cultural adaptation of the Safe Start intervention, a brief computer- and nurse-delivered alcohol reduction intervention for pregnant women to be delivered within prenatal care clinics.

DESIGN

The Safe Start intervention consists of two interactive computer-delivered and three brief nurse-delivered sessions.

METHODS

The format and content of the intervention were designed to be tailored to women's racial and ethnic backgrounds and drinking goals. A women's patient advisory group provided feedback to inform the intervention's development and tailoring of the intervention's content.

RESULTS

We overview the theoretical foundations of the Safe Start intervention and the approach to adaptation of intervention material. The format and content of the Safe Start intervention's computer- and nurse-delivered components are described.

CONCLUSIONS

Interventions to reduce alcohol use during pregnancy that can be integrated within prenatal care are urgently needed. If efficacious in reducing alcohol use, the Safe Start intervention offers the promise of a brief, cost-effective, easily disseminated intervention for pregnant women who consume alcohol.