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Published in: International Journal of Public Health 6/2010

01-12-2010 | Original Article

Knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of health, education, and service professionals as related to fetal alcohol spectrum disorders

Authors: Mark E. Johnson, Rebecca Volino Robinson, Staci Corey, Sarah L. Dewane, Christiane Brems, L. Diane Casto

Published in: International Journal of Public Health | Issue 6/2010

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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.
Footnotes
1
Full results, including means and standard deviations are available from the first author.
 
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Metadata
Title
Knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of health, education, and service professionals as related to fetal alcohol spectrum disorders
Authors
Mark E. Johnson
Rebecca Volino Robinson
Staci Corey
Sarah L. Dewane
Christiane Brems
L. Diane Casto
Publication date
01-12-2010
Publisher
SP Birkhäuser Verlag Basel
Published in
International Journal of Public Health / Issue 6/2010
Print ISSN: 1661-8556
Electronic ISSN: 1661-8564
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00038-010-0186-8

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