What characteristic does the TWEAK screening tool specifically assess?

The TWEAK screening tool is specifically designed to assess risk drinking behaviors among pregnant women. It is a brief questionnaire that helps to identify women who may be consuming alcohol during pregnancy and thus may be at risk of having a child with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD). The acronym TWEAK stands for Tolerance, Worry, Eye-opener, Amnesia, and K (cut down), addressing key aspects of alcohol use and its effects.

This tool not only helps in identifying current drinking patterns but also focuses on understanding the potential harm caused to the developing fetus. By doing so, it allows healthcare providers to intervene early with appropriate education and resources for prospective mothers about the risks of alcohol consumption during pregnancy.

The other options do not align with the specific focus of the TWEAK tool; while they may be relevant in broader contexts of substance use and addiction, they are not the primary characteristic assessed by TWEAK.