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McCormack JC, Chu JTW, Wilson H, Rahman J, Marsh S, Bullen C. Knowledge, attitudes, and practices towards fetal alcohol spectrum disorder in the New Zealand social and community sector: An online survey. JOURNAL OF INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES : JOID 2023:17446295231172234. [PMID: 37092706 DOI: 10.1177/17446295231172234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Background: Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder but may be underrecognized and misunderstood by people who provide health and social support services. The aim of the research is to understand the FASD knowledge, attitudes, and practices among people employed by the social and community sector in New Zealand. Methods: We conducted an online survey of people working in the New Zealand social and community sector (i.e., social workers, support workers). The survey focused on the following areas: awareness of FASD; knowledge and beliefs about FASD; the impact of FASD on professional practice; and training needs. Results: Most participants reported a basic understanding of FASD, however only 5% felt very well prepared to support someone with FASD. A large majority of participants believed that FASD diagnosis may be stigmatising for individuals or families. Conclusion: There is a need to improve training, professional development, and workplace support for social and community workers in New Zealand to support people with FASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica C McCormack
- Food Science, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
- National Institute for Health Innovation, School of Population Health, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Joanna Ting Wai Chu
- National Institute for Health Innovation, School of Population Health, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Holly Wilson
- National Institute for Health Innovation, School of Population Health, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Juma Rahman
- National Institute for Health Innovation, School of Population Health, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Samantha Marsh
- National Institute for Health Innovation, School of Population Health, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Chris Bullen
- National Institute for Health Innovation, School of Population Health, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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Okurame JC, Cannon L, Carter E, Thomas S, Elliott EJ, Rice LJ. Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder resources for health professionals: a scoping review protocol. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e065327. [PMID: 36100303 PMCID: PMC9472138 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-065327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION People with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) encounter a range of health and allied health providers and require specialised support to ensure health services are provided safely and effectively. Not all health professionals possess the knowledge or expertise required for the identification, assessment, referral and management of FASD. Accessible resources for understanding and managing FASD can help create awareness in health professionals and ensure patients receive the correct diagnosis and timely access to the necessary supports and services. The aim of this scoping review is to identify and analyse FASD resources for health professionals. METHODS AND ANALYSIS A comprehensive search of eight databases (MEDLINE, Scopus, PsycINFO, CINAHL, PubMED, EMBASE, Web of Science and Trip Medical Database) and nine grey literature databases (FASD Hub, NOFASD Australia, National Organisation for FASD, FASD United, HealthInfoNet, Proof Alliance, Child Family Community Australia, Foundation for Alcohol Research & Education and the Australian Department of Health websites) will be conducted using three search engines including PubMed, Ovid and Google advanced search (search dates: October 2021 to May 2022). Consultations will also be carried out with international and national experts in the diagnosis/management of FASD to obtain any additional relevant published or unpublished resources. Inclusion criteria were developed to guide the selection of resources that are publicly available, primarily focused on FASD and curated for health professionals for the identification, management or referral of FASD. Critical appraisal process will be executed using the Appraisal of Guidelines for REsearch & Evaluation II (AGREE II) tool to assess the quality of selected resources. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION Ethical approval is not required for the scoping review. Scoping review results will be presented at relevant national and international conferences and published in peer-reviewed journals. Search results will be made available to ensure reproducibility and transparency.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lisa Cannon
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Telethon Kids Institute, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Emily Carter
- Marulu Unit, Marninwarntikura Women's Resource Centre, Fitzroy Crossing, Kimberley, Australia
| | - Sue Thomas
- Marulu Unit, Marninwarntikura Women's Resource Centre, Fitzroy Crossing, Kimberley, Australia
| | - Elizabeth J Elliott
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Kids Research, The Sydney Children's Hospitals Network, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Lauren J Rice
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Flannigan K, Pei J, McLachlan K, Harding K, Mela M, Cook J, Badry D, McFarlane A. Responding to the Unique Complexities of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. Front Psychol 2022; 12:778471. [PMID: 35145454 PMCID: PMC8821085 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.778471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is a multifaceted disability, characterized not only by brain- and body-based challenges, but also high rates of environmental adversity, lifelong difficulties with daily living, and distinct sociocultural considerations. FASD is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disabilities in the Western world and associated with significant social and economic costs. It is important to understand the complexities of FASD and the ways in which FASD requires unique consideration in research, practice, and policy. In this article, we discuss our perspectives on factors that distinguish FASD from other disabilities in terms of complexity, co-occurrence, and magnitude. We provide an overview of select literature related to FASD as a socially rooted disability with intergenerational impacts and multiple layers of stigma. These social issues are intertwined with notable experiences of adversity across the lifespan and high rates of co-occurring health concerns for individuals with FASD, all of which present unique challenges for individuals, caregivers, families, service providers, and policy makers. Understanding these factors is the first step in developing and implementing specialized initiatives in support of positive outcomes for individuals with FASD and their families. Future directions are proposed for advancing research, practice, and policy, and responding to the unique complexities of FASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine Flannigan
- Canada Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Research Network, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- *Correspondence: Katherine Flannigan,
| | - Jacqueline Pei
- Canada Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Research Network, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Educational Psychology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Kaitlyn McLachlan
- Canada Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Research Network, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Psychology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Kelly Harding
- Canada Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Research Network, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Psychology, Laurentian University, Sudbury, ON, Canada
| | - Mansfield Mela
- Canada Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Research Network, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Jocelynn Cook
- Canada Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Research Network, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Dorothy Badry
- Canada Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Research Network, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Faculty of Social Work, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Audrey McFarlane
- Canada Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Research Network, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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Bell E, Andrew G, Di Pietro N, Chudley AE, N. Reynolds J, Racine E. It’s a Shame! Stigma Against Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder: Examining the Ethical Implications for Public Health Practices and Policies. Public Health Ethics 2015. [DOI: 10.1093/phe/phv012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
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