Risk Factors for Alcohol Consumption after Starting Assisted Reproductive Technology Treatment among Japanese Women: Japan-Female Employment and Mental Health in Assisted Reproductive Technology (J-FEMA) Study

Abstract

Aims: To determine the association between drinking habits and social factors among women undergoing assisted reproductive technology (ART) treatment in Japan. Methods: The study participants who provided answers for the questionnaire concerning alcohol consumption were 1017 female patients undergoing ART treatment were enrolled in the Japan-Female Employment and Mental Health in assisted reproductive technology (J-FEMA) study between August and December 2018. Patient characteristics, including demographic, clinical, and socioeconomic status, were assessed using a self-administered questionnaire which was distributed only once during the period, regardless of their first or follow-up examination. We defined current drinkers who drank ≥46 g of ethanol per week as the habitual drinking group. The risk factors for habitual drinking were analyzed using multivariable-adjusted logistic regression. Results: The proportion of habitual drinkers was 15.5% in this study population. The multivariable-adjusted odds ratios (95% confidence interval) for habitual drinking were 2.27 (0.99–5.21) for women aged ≥35 years versus those <35 years, 4.26 (1.98–9.16) for women having partners who currently drink compared to those with partners without current drinking, 1.84 (1.08–3.12) for women without a history of childbirth versus those with, and 1.77 (1.00–3.14) for working women compared with those not working. Conclusions: In our study, habitual drinking among women undergoing ART treatment was significantly associated with older age, no history of childbirth, partner’s current drinking status, and working.