Identifying fetal alcohol spectrum disorder among South African children at aged 1 and 5 years.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) are a global health concern. Early intervention mitigates deficits, yet early diagnosis remains challenging. We examined whether children can be screened and meet diagnoses for FASD at 1.5 years compared to 5 years post-birth.

Methods

A population cohort of pregnant women in 24 neighborhoods (N = 1258) was recruited and 84.5 %-96 % were reassessed at two weeks post-birth, 0.5 years, 1.5 years, 3 years, and 5 years later. A two-step process was followed to diagnose FASD; first, a paraprofessional screened the children and then a physician evaluated the child. We evaluated FASD symptoms at 1.5 vs. 5 years. We also examined maternal differences in children receiving a positive FASD screening (n = 160) with those who received a

SUBMITTER: Wynn A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7736512 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature