The prevalence of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder is very high in vulnerable groups around the world

A major new review of the world's literature has shown that Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is 10 to 40 times higher in some vulnerable groups than in the general population. These groups include children in care, persons in correctional services or special education services, Aboriginal populations and persons using specialized clinical services.

FASD is a life-long serious illness that affects people of all racial, ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds. It is caused by alcohol consumed during pregnancy. Alcohol is a toxic substance that can easily cross the placenta, resulting in permanent damage to the brain and other organs of the developing embryo and the fetus. It is estimated that about one in 13 infants is exposed to FASD before and after birth at any level or type of alcohol. Every year, approximately 630,000 infants are born with FASD worldwide.

This study used data from 69 studies representing 17 countries from North and South America, Europe, Asia and Australasia. The studies included five sub-populations: children in care, persons in correctional services, Aboriginal populations, persons in special education services and persons using specialized clinical services (genetic clinics and disability clinics). mental health or psychiatric care).

The estimated prevalence of FASD in these groups ranged from 10 to 40 times greater than the global prevalence of 7.7 per 1,000 of FASD in the general population. For example, the prevalence of FASD among children in care was 32 times higher in the United States and 40 times higher in Chile; adult prevalence in the Canadian correctional system was 19 times higher; and the prevalence among special education populations in Chile was more than 10 times higher.

Dr. Svetlana Popova, lead author, said, "Public policies and clinical care for people with FASD need to recognize the seriousness of the problem globally." Routine screening protocols must be established to identify Service personnel should be trained in FASD awareness, identification, and interventions to provide better care.Women should refrain completely from any type of treatment. alcohol throughout their pregnancy and while trying to become pregnant. "

This review was limited by the limited number of studies, some dated and with methodological weaknesses. Countries need to conduct rigorous epidemiological studies to understand the magnitude and severity of this serious, but preventable, alcohol-related neurodevelopmental disorder.

Provided by
Society for the Study of Drug Addiction