Abstract
Objectives
We explored differences in fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors across six groups of professionals in key position to provide primary and secondary prevention efforts (physicians, educators, correctional staff, social workers, public health nurses, and substance abuse counselors).
Methods
Achieving a 60.1% response rate, 2,292 professionals returned surveys, providing data on basic knowledge of FAS, FASD-associated risks and cognitive deficits, and willingness to confront and recommend treatment to alcohol-consuming pregnant women.
Results
Across groups, findings revealed ample FASD knowledge and willingness to confront and recommend treatment to alcohol-consuming pregnant women that increases as consumption becomes more frequent and severe. However, results revealed significant between-group differences data that provide valuable guidance for targeted future FASD education efforts.
Conclusions
Public health initiatives regarding FASD have been effective in increasing knowledge among a broad range of professionals. However, between-group differences indicate the need for targeted, discipline-specific interventions. These differences highlight the need for all professional groups to provide a consistent public health message regarding maternal alcohol consumption.
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Notes
Full results, including means and standard deviations are available from the first author.
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Acknowledgments
This study was supported in part by Grant Number 5UD1SP09198 from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, US Department of Health and Human Services. Contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the funding agency.
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The authors declare that they have no competing interests.
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Johnson, M.E., Robinson, R.V., Corey, S. et al. Knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of health, education, and service professionals as related to fetal alcohol spectrum disorders. Int J Public Health 55, 627–635 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00038-010-0186-8
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00038-010-0186-8