September is Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) Awareness Month. This annual observance highlights the importance of talking about FASD, preventing FASD, and supporting families living with FASD.
FASDs are a group of conditions that can occur in a person who was exposed to alcohol before birth. It is estimated that up to one in 20 U.S. schoolchildren may have FASDs. Nearly one in seven pregnant people report drinking alcohol, and about one in 20 report binge drinking in the past 30 days. While evidence-based approaches to decreasing alcohol use during pregnancy exist, research suggests healthcare professionals face challenges in implementing them consistently and effectively.
This FASD Awareness Month, implement alcohol screening and brief intervention (SBI) into your practice for all adult patients and learn how to discuss alcohol and pregnancy with your patients. Alcohol SBI is recommended by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force and endorsed by major medical professional organizations, such as the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), American Academy of Family Physicians, American Medical Association, and American Academy of Pediatrics, as well as CDC.
References1. May, P. et al. Prevalence of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders in 4 US Communities. JAMA. 20182. England, L. et al. Alcohol Use and Co-Use of Other Substances Among Pregnant Females Aged 12–44 Years — United States, 2015–2018. MMWR. 2020.3. Turchi, R. et al. AAP Committee on Substance Use and Prevention. The Role of Integrated Care in a Medical Home for Patients with a Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. Pediatrics. 2018.4. Curry, S. et al. Screening and Behavioral Counseling Interventions to Reduce Unhealthy Alcohol Use in Adolescents and Adults: US Preventive Services Task Force. JAMA. 2018.5. The Community Guide. Alcohol Excessive Consumption: Electronic Screening and Brief Interventions (e-SBI). https://www. thecommunityguide.org/findings/alcohol-excessive-consumption-electronic-screening-and-brief- interventions-e-sbi
