Authors: Christie L M Petrenko Naira Tahir Erin C Mahoney Nancy P Chin
Publish Date: 2013/11/01
Volume: 18, Issue: 6, Pages: 1496-1505
Abstract
Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders FASD impact 2–5 of the US population and are associated with lifelong cognitive and behavioral impairments Individuals with FASD have high rates of secondary conditions including mental health problems school disruptions and trouble with the law This study focuses on systemslevel barriers that contribute to secondary conditions and interfere with prevention and treatment Using a phenomenological methodology semistructured interviews and focus groups were conducted with parents of children with FASD and service providers Data were analyzed using a framework approach Participants emphasized the pervasive lack of knowledge of FASD throughout multiple systems This lack of knowledge contributes to multisystem barriers including delayed diagnosis unavailability of services and difficulty qualifying for implementing and maintaining services FASD is a major public health problem Broad system changes using a public health approach are needed to increase awareness and understanding of FASD improve access to diagnostic and therapeutic services and create responsive institutional policies to prevent secondary conditions These changes are essential to improve outcomes for individuals with FASD and their families and facilitate dissemination of empirically supported interventionsThis research was supported by a Career Development Award K01AA020486 from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism or the National Institutes of Health We appreciate all of the families and providers who made the time in their busy schedules to participate in this study This research would not have been possible without their valuable insights
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