Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
Introduction
Fetal alcohol syndrome is the most common preventable form of mental retardation in the world. FAS causes a range of disorders, is found in all ethnic groups and populations and is most prevalent is impoverished communities. In South Africa, epidemiological studies have shown that rural populations in the Western Cape are particularly affected and have FAS rates exceeding those reported in other world communities.
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome is a series of birth defects caused by alcoholism or consumption of alcohol on a regular basis during pregnancy. The baby, who has no part to play in the mother’s drinking, ends up with severe problems before and after birth. (Kibel, M., & Wagstaff, L. (Eds.). (2001), (p.67.)
What is Fetal Alcohol Syndrome?
Fetal alcohol syndrome is a condition that results from alcohol exposure during pregnancy. Problems that may be caused by fetal alcohol syndrome include physical deformities, mental retardation, learning disorders, vision difficulties and behavioral problems. There is no amount of alcohol that's known to be safe to consume during pregnancy. If you drink during pregnancy, you place your baby at risk of fetal alcohol syndrome. (Fetal alcohol syndrome: Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/fetal-alcohol-syndrome/DS00184)
How is FAS characterized in the community?
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome is a wide spread health problem in South Africa.
It is estimated that there are 10 000 to 12 000 new cases of FAS babies born annually, constituting the single most common serious birth defect (Kibel p.71) * A national FAS awareness program was launched in South Africa in 1998, aiming to reduce the burden of FAS in the communities, where it is highly susceptible. Awareness in the Western Cape is high. Local prevention workshops, upliftment programs, campaigns against the “dop” system and new labor laws have been introduced. Community education on the damages of alcohol needs to be addressed.
Fetal alcohol syndrome is the most common preventable form of mental retardation in the world. FAS causes a range of disorders, is found in all ethnic groups and populations and is most prevalent is impoverished communities. In South Africa, epidemiological studies have shown that rural populations in the Western Cape are particularly affected and have FAS rates exceeding those reported in other world communities.
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome is a series of birth defects caused by alcoholism or consumption of alcohol on a regular basis during pregnancy. The baby, who has no part to play in the mother’s drinking, ends up with severe problems before and after birth. (Kibel, M., & Wagstaff, L. (Eds.). (2001), (p.67.)
What is Fetal Alcohol Syndrome?
Fetal alcohol syndrome is a condition that results from alcohol exposure during pregnancy. Problems that may be caused by fetal alcohol syndrome include physical deformities, mental retardation, learning disorders, vision difficulties and behavioral problems. There is no amount of alcohol that's known to be safe to consume during pregnancy. If you drink during pregnancy, you place your baby at risk of fetal alcohol syndrome. (Fetal alcohol syndrome: Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/fetal-alcohol-syndrome/DS00184)
How is FAS characterized in the community?
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome is a wide spread health problem in South Africa.
It is estimated that there are 10 000 to 12 000 new cases of FAS babies born annually, constituting the single most common serious birth defect (Kibel p.71) * A national FAS awareness program was launched in South Africa in 1998, aiming to reduce the burden of FAS in the communities, where it is highly susceptible. Awareness in the Western Cape is high. Local prevention workshops, upliftment programs, campaigns against the “dop” system and new labor laws have been introduced. Community education on the damages of alcohol needs to be addressed.