Saving the brains of children: Understanding the prevalence of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) in Ghana for prevention intervention planning

In Ghana, there is evidence of increased alcohol consumption among women during pregnancy (Culley et.al, 2013; Popova, 2013). This has raised concerns about the need to focus attention on the serious risks associated with the... [ view full abstract ]

In Ghana, there is evidence of increased alcohol consumption among women during pregnancy (Culley et.al, 2013; Popova, 2013). This has raised concerns about the need to focus attention on the serious risks associated with the drinking habits of women of child-bearing age, and most importantly women who drink during pregnancy. Researchers from the Faculty of Social Work, University of Manitoba and the Department of Social Work, University of Ghana, have conducted a study in selected rural and urban communities in Ghana to investigate the beliefs, perceptions and knowledge about the causes of FASD and the effects of alcohol consumption during pregnancy. This presentation will present some of the major findings of this research. In addition it will indicate how the results from this research are being used to assist in developing approaches to effectively address the prevention and interventions with children, parents and communities with the high rates of FASD (May, 2011; Popova, 2011). Also the presentation will describe a proposed strategy for government and non-government organizations to address prevention and intervention with women and children with FASD. Moreover, this presentation will briefly outline how this research is providing a timely follow-up to and build on a project that was launched in Ghana in June 2013 by the Faculty of Social Work, University of Manitoba and the Ghana Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (GOFAS) to create a national awareness on the prevalence of FASD and improved policy on the prevention of alcohol consumption among pregnant and women of child bearing age. The presentation will provide useful knowledge to child welfare policy makers, program developers and practitioners from many countries in Africa, Caribbean and Latin America Countries working with child welfare with families with disabilities and addictions.