Study to Evaluate the Accuracy of the T-ACE Self-report for Detecting High-Risk Alcohol Use During Pregnancy Compared to a Blood Test

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying the value of the T-ACE self-report questionnaire in identifying high-risk alcohol consumption during pregnancy. This observational study aims to compare the T-ACE results with a blood biomarker test measuring phosphatidylethanol, which reflects alcohol use in the prior three weeks. The study involves pregnant women receiving prenatal care at three hospitals in northern France, seeking to confirm whether T-ACE can reliably detect risky drinking during pregnancy. Each eligible pregnant woman completes the T-ACE self-report during her prenatal consultation. If she consents to participate, a one-time blood sample is taken to measure phosphatidylethanol levels as the gold standard for alcohol consumption. An alcohol level of 20 gL or higher indicates high-risk use. This single blood test will be offered during the recruitment period, with no separate treatment or control groups. Participants will provide their self-report and blood samples during routine prenatal visits, enabling researchers to assess the accuracy of the T-ACE questionnaire by calculating sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values compared to the blood test. The study plans to enroll 2,425 women over about one year. This research may validate the T-ACE as a practical tool to identify high-risk drinking early in pregnancy, potentially improving prenatal care and outcomes.

Alcohol Self-reporting During Pregnancy. AUTOQUEST Study.