The Nairobi Center recently hosted a webinar on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) aimed at driving meaningful discussions on the impact of alcohol consumption on maternal and child health. The informative session featured distinguished speakers, including Dr. Robert Colin Carter, a pediatrician and nutritional epidemiologist from Columbia University's Department of Emergency Medicine, and Dr. Susan Wamithi, a consultant developmental pediatrician from the Department of Pediatrics, Child & Adolescent Health at Aga Khan University Hospital. Dr Rosa Chemwey, a maternal-fetal specialist renowned for her work at Kenyatta National Hospital, moderated the session.
Insights into FASD: Risk Factors and Vulnerabilities
During the webinar, discussions revealed that FASD is the most preventable yet prevalent cause of developmental delays globally, affecting approximately 4% of the population. FASD can manifest in damage to every organ system, including structural brain abnormalities and various neurocognitive deficits that affect social learning, executive function, memory, and math skills. Drinking partners, episodic binge drinking, and poor nutrition during pregnancy are major risk factors for FASD. Women over 30, those with prior affected children, and those with poor nutrition are especially vulnerable.
Surprising Statistics
FASD is more prevalent than many realize. According to Dr Carter, approximately 10-15% of pregnant women consume alcohol, leading to significant numbers of affected children. Globally, 9.8% of women drink during pregnancy, with 1 in 67 of these women delivering a child with FASD. This has resulted in approximately 119,000 children born annually with full FASD, not including those with subtler forms of FASD who may not exhibit the typical facial features associated with the disorder.
Championing Early Diagnosis and Screening for Better Outcomes
Early detection of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) is crucial for effective intervention. Screening processes should be designed to be non-judgmental and seamlessly integrated into routine health checks. This approach can help minimize stigma, especially when social workers are involved in screening. In various healthcare settings, different screening methods are employed to identify alcohol use disorders. For instance, the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (Audit-C) is widely used to screen for alcohol consumption patterns and potential disorders. In prenatal care, the T-ACE questionnaire is specifically utilized to assess alcohol consumption and potential risk factors during pregnancy. Integrating these screening methods into regular health checks can facilitate early detection of FASD, allowing for timely and effective intervention.
Implementing Best Practices for Intervention and Treatment
Supporting children with FASD involves a multifaceted approach to enhance their quality of life. Effective interventions, such as occupational and speech therapy and behavioral techniques to improve self-regulation and adaptive functioning, have proven resourceful. Innovative tools such as the GoFAR video game help children develop self-regulation skills, while personalized education plans and reduced classroom distractions enhance their learning experience.
In conclusion, FASD is a significant but preventable challenge. No alcohol is safe during pregnancy, with binge drinking posing the highest risk. Early diagnosis, targeted interventions, and prevention strategies can significantly improve affected children's lives. Better screening, education, and comprehensive prevention efforts can combat FASD effectively.
