Study findings help fight Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder on the West Coast
As part of our efforts to tackle drug and alcohol abuse using evidence-driven methods, the Western Cape Department of Social Development (DSD) can today reveal the findings of a path-breaking 3 year study into the prevalence of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) in the West Coast region.
The study was made possible through a partnership with the Foundation for Alcohol Related Research (FARR), the leading non-governmental organisation (NGO) in the field of FASD research. The study was first commissioned by the department in 2013, focusing on the Saldanha Bay district municipal area.
With the consent of parents and the assistance of the Western Cape Department of Education, Grade 1 learners in 14 schools underwent medical examinations to assess their general health and nutrition status, as well as the presence of physical features of FASD. In total, 1452 out of 1535 learners in the area were seen in the first phase of the study.
In Phase 1 of the FASD prevalence study, participating children underwent neurodevelopmental assessments (psychological testing) by trained FARR personnel.
With all the sources of evidence gathered, such as in-depth maternal interviews, diagnoses were made on a case by case basis to determine the FASD prevalence in the area. Individual feedback and counselling was given to parents of children involved in the study.
The prevalence of FASD in the West Coast was found to be 64 children per 1000 affected (6,42%).
The West Coast prevalence rate can be compared to the findings in the most recent studies conducted in Kimberley (60/1000) and the Witzenberg area (96/1000). However the prevalence rate of 122/1000 found in De Aar, still makes it the highest reported FASD rate worldwide.
The West Coast’s prevalence rate means that there is a serious problem with FASD in this area, and the impact of this will be felt throughout the community.
This is why the DSD also commissioned FARR to render an awareness and prevention project alongside the research activities.
In the three years that our NGO partner FARR have been active in this area, the DSD has funded numerous public awareness events and training sessions for parents and community members. A total of 200 women (all mothers) were recruited into the Healthy Mother Healthy Baby (HMHB) programme. The HMHB is a targeted intervention aimed not just at preventing FASD, but at supporting mothers to have healthier pregnancies and healthier babies.
FARR identified 4 clinics for the HMHB programme offering:
- Saldanha Clinic,
- Louwville Clinic,
- Diazville Clinic and,
- St. Helena Bay Clinic.
FASD training was offered by FARR to health professionals from the Department of Health to ensure a lasting impact on efforts to combat FASD.
2015 was dedicated to further ensuring the sustainability of FARR and the DSD’s work. Training was offered to the educators at the schools included in the study, and there was also training done at a community level. Training has been provided to DSD Social Workers working in the region since January this year.
The task of maintaining the level of service needed to respond to the FASD challenge in the West Coast remains a big one. However looking back over these three years there have been some great achievements;
- All the targets agreed to with FARR were reached, which included 7 industrial theatre productions (LoveChild – takeAWAY theatre group), 4 courses on parenting skills given to the community (FAStrap Course), training to the departments of Social Development, Health and Education, a number of awareness events around International FASD Day (9 September); as well as numerous talks given in the local clinics.
- A major achievement for FARR was their assistance to the 200 mothers, helping them to have healthier pregnancies and healthier, FASD-free babies.
As always there were challenges to be faced, the biggest being the sheer size of the area under study. The DSD regional and local offices operating in the area will continue to be a valuable resource to keep up the momentum of raising awareness and rendering services.
FASD is a 100% avoidable condition, and DSD will continue the good work started by our NGO partner FARR. We can eradicate FAS if we continue to work, ‘Better Together’.
Media Enquiries:
FARR Chief Executive Officer
Cell: 083 275 0202
MEC Albert Fritz
Cell: 083 307 0192
Sihle Ngobese
Tel: 021 483 9217
Cell: 076 083 6543
E-mail: Sihle.Ngobese@westerncape.gov.za
