FAS: implications to family and society in Australia
This article illustrates seven cases of fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS).
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Publishing Date:
June 1, 1980
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Low to moderate maternal alcohol use and neurobehavioural outcome in the newborn infant
This study looked at infant outcomes of mothers drinking prior to pregnancy.
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Publishing Date:
October 1, 1991
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Personality and coping style
The objective of this study published in 1991 was to determine if personality and coping style are central determinants of drinking and smoking at risk to fetal health during pregnancy
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Publishing Date:
April 15, 1992
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Is There Evidence to Show That Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Can Be Prevented?
This article reviews the effectiveness of prevention programs in lowering the incidence of FAS.
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Publishing Date:
March 26, 1999
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Ascertainment of birth defects: The effect on completeness of adding a new source of data
This study investigated effects of adding a new source of data from the Rural Paediatric Service to statistics about birth defects in Western Australian children.
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Publishing Date:
December 26, 2000
Prevalence of FAS in Top End of NT
This study aimed to establish the prevalence of fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) in the top end of the Northern Territory.
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Publishing Date:
September 16, 2003
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
FAS: diagnosis, epidemiology, and developmental outcomes
This review of the literature for fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) aims to provide an understanding of the diagnostic features, causes and effects of FAS.
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Publishing Date:
January 22, 2004
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
FAS in Australia: fact or fiction?
There is an urgent need for research to provide accurate information on the frequency of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) in specific communities.
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Publishing Date:
February 1, 2004
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Health professionals’ knowledge, practice and opinions about FAS and alcohol consumption in pregnancy
This study investigated the knowledge, attitudes and behaviours of health professionals related to drinking and pregnancy.
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Publishing Date:
July 26, 2005
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Use of record linkage to examine alcohol use in pregnancy
This study aimed to examine the obstetric and newborn outcomes for women with an alcohol-related hospital admission during pregnancy.
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Publishing Date:
March 29, 2006
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Review of self-reported alcohol intake among women
This study aimed to identify the characteristics of women who consume alcohol during pregnancy.
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Publishing Date:
May 16, 2006
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Survey of paediatricians’ knowledge, attitudes and practice: FAS diagnosis
This study aimed to assess paediatricians’ knowledge, attitudes and practices of fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) and alcohol use during pregnancy.
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Publishing Date:
October 18, 2006
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Alcohol consumption during pregnancy in non-indigenous women
This study investigated alcohol use in women in Western Australia around the time of conception.
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Publishing Date:
February 1, 2007
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Substance use, psychological distress and violence among pregnant women
This study aimed to identify the prevalence and characteristics of women using drugs and alcohol while pregnant or breastfeeding.
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Publishing Date:
February 1, 2007
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Prenatal alcohol exposure and attention, learning and intellectual ability at 14 years
This study examined the effects of moderate levels of alcohol consumption during pregnancy on 14 year-old children’s intellectual ability, learning and attention.
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Publishing Date:
February 2, 2007
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Review of policies on alcohol use during pregnancy in Australia
This review considered international policies and guidelines related to drinking alcohol during pregnancy.
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Publishing Date:
May 7, 2007
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
FAS: a prospective national surveillance study
This study aimed to describe the causes and effects of fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) as observed by Australian paediatricians.
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Publishing Date:
August 17, 2007
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Impacts of national surveillance for uncommon conditions in childhood
A review of the Australian Paediatric Surveillance Unit (APSU) services over the past 14 years.
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Publishing Date:
October 4, 2007
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Prevalence of FAS in Victoria
This study aimed to establish how common (i.e prevalence) of fetal alcohol syndrome is in the state of Victoria.
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Publishing Date:
October 5, 2007
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Impacts of alcohol use in pregnancy – the role of the GP
This article discusses the clinical features of FASD and the role of the general practitioner in prevention and management.
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Publishing Date:
November 1, 2007
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
International survey of diagnostic services for children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders
This article describes specialist clinical services which diagnose and assess children exposed to alcohol in pregnancy around the world.
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Publishing Date:
April 15, 2008
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder: New Zealand birth mothers’ experiences
The aim of this study published in 2008 was to describe the ‘lived’ experiences of New Zealand birth mothers, from pregnancy onwards, of a child/ren diagnosed with FASD (FASD).
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Publishing Date:
June 1, 2008
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Pregnancy characteristics of women giving birth to children with FAS
This study reviewed pregnancy records of women with children diagnosed with fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) at a Queensland hospital.
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Publishing Date:
June 3, 2008
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Alcohol and pregnancy: The pivotal role of the obstetrician
This article highlights the pivotal role obstetricians play in advising women of the effects of alcohol on the fetus and reducing fetal exposure.
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Publishing Date:
June 3, 2008
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Rare childhood diseases: how should we respond?
The author argues for a national approach in Australia to data gathering for children with rare diseases, such as FASD…
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Publishing Date:
December 1, 2008
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
How Maori women negotiate drinking alcohol
Unpublished Masters Thesis
Massey University, Wellington New Zealand
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Publishing Date:
January 1, 2009
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Effect of maternal alcohol consumption on fetal growth and preterm birth
This study investigated the relationship between alcohol use during pregnancy and the size of babies in Western Australia.
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Publishing Date:
January 21, 2009
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Prenatal alcohol exposure and language delay in 2-year-old children
This study aimed to investigate the association of dose and timing of prenatal alcohol exposure with early language acquisition.
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Publishing Date:
February 1, 2009
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Need to establish a national diagnostic capacity for foetal alcohol spectrum disorders
The challenge for the Australian health professional is agreeing on a model for diagnosing and treating FASD.
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Publishing Date:
March 13, 2009
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Review of interventions for children with FASD
This systematic review aims to identify and evaluate the evidence for drug and non-drug interventions for children with FASD.
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Publishing Date:
May 25, 2009
Research
- Alcohol & Pregnancy
- FASD Assessment & Diagnosis
- FASD in adulthood
- FASD management, therapy & support
Page last updated January 20, 2025
In utero brain damage from alcohol: a preventable tragedy
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Publishing Date:
September 16, 2009
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Prenatal alcohol classification accounting for dose, pattern and timing
This study considered the use of the “composite method” in assessment of alcohol effects on the fetus.
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Publishing Date:
October 19, 2009
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Warning labels on alcohol containers as a source of information on alcohol consumption in pregnancy among New Zealand women
The addition of a warning label on alcohol containers is a policy measure yet to be adopted in New Zealand. The current study published in 2009 aims to report the rating of a national sample of 16-40-year-old non-pregnant New Zealand women on a warning label on alcohol containers as a source of information on risks associated with alcohol consumption in pregnancy. A nationwide, cross-sectional survey was conducted in 2005 on a random sample of 1129 non-pregnant women aged 16-40 years.
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Publishing Date:
November 11, 2009
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Maternal alcohol use before and during pregnancy among women in Taranaki, New Zealand
The study researched alcohol consumption and drinking patterns before and during pregnancy. This was a 1 month self report survey of postnatal women from 21 May-22 June 2006.
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Publishing Date:
November 11, 2009
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Evidence of a complex association between dose, pattern and timing of prenatal alcohol exposure and child behaviour problems
This 8-year longitudinal study of mothers who drank alcohol during their pregnancy looked at the impact on behaviours in children over two years old.
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Publishing Date:
December 14, 2009
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Opinions of non-pregnant New Zealand women aged 16-40 years about the safety of alcohol consumption during pregnancy
This study published in 2009 aims to assess the opinions of New Zealand women on the safety of alcohol consumption in pregnancy and the sociodemographic and lifestyle factors associated with these opinions.
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Publishing Date:
March 10, 2010
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Congenital anomalies – why bother?
This article looks at the challenge of convincing governments to collect information on congenital anomalies (also called birth defects).
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Publishing Date:
March 15, 2010
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Alcohol consumption in pregnancy
The effect of alcohol consumption in pregnancy depends on the amount of alcohol consumed each time, the frequency and duration of alcohol use.
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Publishing Date:
June 1, 2010
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Pregnant women’s compliance with different alcohol guidelines
This study aimed to assess women’s compliance with different Australian guidelines on alcohol intake during pregnancy.
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Publishing Date:
June 21, 2010
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Health professionals addressing alcohol use with pregnant women in Western Australia: Barriers and Strategies for Communication
This article discusses the barriers health professionals have to addressing prenatal alcohol use and the strategies to overcome them.
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Publishing Date:
June 30, 2010
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Attention-deficit hyperactivity and FASDs in children
This article considers the relationship between FASD and ADHD and whether some of the interventions used in ADHD may be adapted for people with FASD.
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Publishing Date:
August 11, 2010
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Women’s knowledge and attitudes regarding alcohol consumption in pregnancy: a national survey
This study surveyed 1103 Australian women about their knowledge and attitudes related to drinking alcohol during pregnancy.
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Publishing Date:
August 23, 2010
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Prenatal alcohol exposure and risk of birth defects
This study investigated the association between dose, pattern, and timing of prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) and birth defects. Compared with abstinence, heavy alcohol use in the first trimester was associated with a fourfold increase in risk of birth defects. The study found no association between low or moderate prenatal alcohol exposure and birth defects.
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Publishing Date:
October 1, 2010
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Prevalence and Predictors of Alcohol Use in Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Among Australian Women
The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence and correlates of alcohol use in pregnancy and lactation.
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Publishing Date:
January 1, 2011
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
RE-AIM evaluation of the Alcohol and Pregnancy Project
This article evaluates the Alcohol and Pregnancy Project which targeted health professionals in Western Australia.
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Publishing Date:
February 3, 2011
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Paediatricians’ knowledge, attitudes and practice following provision of educational resources about prevention of PAE and FASD
This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes and practice of paediatricians in Western Australia in relation to fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS).
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Publishing Date:
March 30, 2011
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Geographic and Maternal Characteristics Associated with Alcohol Use in Pregnancy
This study analysed population data about mothers who used alcohol in pregnancy and their geographic location (metropolitan, regional and remote).
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Publishing Date:
April 4, 2011
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Changes in health professionals’ knowledge, attitudes and practice following provision of educational resources about prevention of prenatal alcohol exposure and fetal alcohol spectrum disorder
This study evaluated an education program alcohol consumption in pregnancy and fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) targetting health professionals in Western Australia.
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Publishing Date:
April 24, 2011
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Collaborating with consumer and community representatives in health and medical research in Australia: results from an evaluation
This article outlines a project management approach used in the Alcohol and Pregnancy Project.
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Publishing Date:
May 14, 2011
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Researchers’ experience with project management
This article outlines a project management approach used in the Alcohol and Pregnancy Project.
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Publishing Date:
June 2, 2011
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Health initiatives by Indigenous people in Australia
This article explores the fact that the rate of infant deaths is three times higher in indigenous children than non-indigenous Australians.
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Publishing Date:
June 18, 2011
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Indigenous youth in the criminal justice system
Australian Government report into the high levels of involvement of Indigenous juveniles and young adults in the criminal justice system.
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Publishing Date:
June 20, 2011
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Attitudes and behaviour predict women’s intention to drink alcohol during pregnancy
This study examined women’s alcohol consumption in pregnancy and potential predictors of alcohol consumption.
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Publishing Date:
July 28, 2011
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Midwives and pregnant women talk about alcohol: what advice do we give and what do they receive?
This article reports on a survey of health professionals to evaluate their familiarity with and use of five existing diagnostic guidelines for FASD.
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Publishing Date:
August 1, 2011
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Guidelines for pregnancy – what’s an acceptable risk
This article reviews the evidence of risks in fetal development from low to moderate levels of prenatal drinking.
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Publishing Date:
September 29, 2011
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
There’s hope in the valley
This article describes the background to a FASD prevalence study which commenced in 2010 in the Fitzroy Valley in Western Australia.
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Publishing Date:
March 1, 2012
Research
- Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Communities
- Alcohol & Pregnancy
- FASD Assessment & Diagnosis
- FASD in adulthood
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Prenatal alcohol exposure, fetal growth and preterm birth
While the findings of the meta-analysis should reassure women who have consumed alcohol at low levels during pregnancy, the risk of fetal growth and preterm birth increased.
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Publishing Date:
April 25, 2012
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
The Lililwan Project protocol for study of the prevalence of FASD in remote Australia
This article outlines the protocols established to guide a study into how common (i.e the prevalence) of FASD was in the Fitzroy Valley in Western Australia.
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Publishing Date:
May 3, 2012
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Health professionals’ perceptions about the adoption of existing guidelines for the diagnosis of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders in Australia
This article reports on a survey of health professionals to evaluate their familiarity with and use of five existing diagnostic guidelines for FASD.
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Publishing Date:
June 14, 2012
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Heavy prenatal alcohol exposure and increased risk of stillbirth
This Western Australian study investigated the link between heavy prenatal drinking and stillbirth.
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Publishing Date:
June 17, 2012
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Recording a history of alcohol use in pregnancy
This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of alcohol documentation in a Child Development Service and the knowledge, attitudes and practice of health practitioners.
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Publishing Date:
June 23, 2012
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
People with cognitive and mental health impairments in the criminal justice system
NSW report investigates opportunities to enhance diversion at all stages of the criminal justice system for people with cognitive and mental health impairments.
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Publishing Date:
June 26, 2012
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder: the invisible disability
Western Australian Government report into FASD in the state.
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Publishing Date:
September 1, 2012
Research
- Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Communities
- Alcohol & Pregnancy
- FASD & Justice
- FASD Assessment & Diagnosis
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Alcohol and Pregnancy: Do Abstinence Policies Have Unintended Consequences?
This commentary explores the possibility that a policy of abstinence (i.e not drinking alcohol) for pregnant women may lead to termination of pregnancy.
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Publishing Date:
September 4, 2012
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Consensus diagnostic criteria for fetal alcohol spectrum disorders in Australia: a modified Delphi study
This article reports on a survey of health professionals to evaluate their familiarity with and use of five existing diagnostic guidelines for FASD.
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Publishing Date:
September 26, 2012
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
FASD: The Hidden Harm – Inquiry into prevention, diagnosis and management of FASD
Landmark Australian Government report into FASD in Australia.
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Publishing Date:
November 29, 2012
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Screening for alcohol and drug use in pregnancy
This study investigated the accuracy and ease of use of screening for alcohol and other drugs at an antenatal service.
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Publishing Date:
December 6, 2012
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Maternal factors associated with heavy periconceptional alcohol intake and drinking following pregnancy recognition: a post-partum survey of New Zealand women
A retrospective survey of 723 post-partum women resident in maternity wards located across New Zealand was conducted using a self-administered questionnaire. Maternal sociodemographic and obstetric characteristics and alcohol intake before and after pregnancy recognition were assessed. This article was published in 2013.
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Publishing Date:
January 9, 2013
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
A modified Delphi study of screening for FASD
This study assessed the perceptions among health professionals about screening for FASD in Australia…
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Publishing Date:
January 25, 2013
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Alcohol-use disorders during and within one year of pregnancy: a population-based cohort study 1985–2006
This article examined alcohol-use disorders in pregnant women and the extent of under-reporting…
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Publishing Date:
February 19, 2013
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Explainer: foetal alcohol spectrum disorders
This article discusses the strategies to address foetal alcohol spectrum disorder with a focus on prevention.
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Publishing Date:
February 28, 2013
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
FASD and the law in Australia: the need for awareness and concern to translate into urgent action
This article discusses the challenges that FASD presents to the legal system and laws in Australia…
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Publishing Date:
March 1, 2013
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Intellectual disability: population-based estimates of the proportionattributable to maternal alcohol use disorder during pregnancy
This study examined the association between maternal alcohol use disorder (AUD) and intellectual disability in children.
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Publishing Date:
March 1, 2013
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Development of a reliable questionnaire to assist in the diagnosis of FASD
This study aimed to assess the value of a FASD assessment tool for use in remote Aboriginal communities in Australia…
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Publishing Date:
March 7, 2013
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Counting FASD in Australia: The evidence and the challenges
This review provides an overview on how common FASD is in Australia (its prevalence) and the need for better data to inform this knowledge…
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Publishing Date:
April 25, 2013
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Prenatal Alcohol Exposure and Educational Achievement in Children
This study examined the relationships between prenatal alcohol exposure and achievement in reading, writing, spelling and numeracy in children.
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Publishing Date:
April 29, 2013
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Pregnancy intention in an urban Australian antenatal population
This study published in 2013 aimed to determine the prevalence of unintended pregnancy in women presenting for antenatal care to a large metropolitan hospital in Sydney, Australia, and to investigate health behaviours and demographic factors associated with unintended pregnancy
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Publishing Date:
May 15, 2013
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Promoting Abstinence From Alcohol During Pregnancy: Implications From Formative Research
This article reports on the beliefs and attitudes of women in Western Australia to alcohol use during pregnancy and motivations for behaviour change…
-
Publishing Date:
July 2, 2013
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Investigating the relationship between birth defects and prenatal alcohol exposure
This study investigated what proportion of birth defects are related to alcohol use during pregnancy.
-
Publishing Date:
July 3, 2013
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Involving consumers and the community in the development of a diagnostic instrument for FASD
This article reports on community involvement in a project to develop a diagnostic instrument for FASD in Australia…
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Publishing Date:
July 30, 2013
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency-Short Form is reliable in children living in remote Australian Aboriginal communities
This study evaluated whether a standard measure of motor skills used in FASD diagnosis was applicable to an Aboriginal population of children.
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Publishing Date:
September 6, 2013
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Building a Community of Care Through Diagnosis of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders in Aotearoa New Zealand
-
Publishing Date:
September 11, 2013
Research
- FASD Assessment & Diagnosis
- FASD in adulthood
- FASD management, therapy & support
- Health Professionals
- Services
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Prevalence and correlates of drinking in early pregnancy among women who stopped drinking on pregnancy recognition
There is a dearth of studies reporting on patterns and correlates of drinking in early pregnancy prior to stopping on pregnancy recognition, which the current study aims to address. In 2005, a New Zealand nationwide cross-sectional survey was conducted on a random sample of 1,256 women aged 16-40 years. This article was published in 2013.
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Publishing Date:
September 12, 2013
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Recommendations from a consensus development workshop on the diagnosis of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders in Australia
A panel of 13 health professionals, researchers, and consumer and community representatives attended a 2-day consensus development workshop…
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Publishing Date:
October 2, 2013
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Better health services needed to break cycle of juvenile offending
Young people need to be properly assessed for cognitive impairment or functional problems.
-
Publishing Date:
December 11, 2013
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Messages that increase women’s intentions to abstain from alcohol during pregnancy
This study evaluated three different advertising concepts addressing alcohol and pregnancy with women living in Perth…
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Publishing Date:
January 13, 2014
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Commentary on Australian FASD diagnostic guidelines
This commentary considers the issues around the need for a single diagnostic criteria internationally…
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Publishing Date:
April 1, 2014
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Australia plays “catch up” with FASD
This article provides an overview of FASD policy, health prevention, diagnosis and management in Australia.
-
Publishing Date:
April 8, 2014
Research
- Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Communities
- Alcohol & Pregnancy
- Breastfeeding & Alcohol
- FASD Assessment & Diagnosis
- Health Professionals
- Policy
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Gross Motor Deficits in Children Prenatally Exposed to Alcohol
This review looked at gross motor skills in children with FASD where moderate to heavy drinking was carried out during pregnancy.
-
Publishing Date:
July 1, 2014
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
FASD – development of consensus referral criteria
-
Publishing Date:
July 8, 2014
Research
- Alcohol & Pregnancy
- FASD Assessment & Diagnosis
- FASD management, therapy & support
- Health Professionals
- Policy
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Factors influencing women’s decisions to drink alcohol during pregnancy: findings of a qualitative study with implications for health communication
This study published in 2014 presents findings on women’s deliberations over drinking alcohol during pregnancy, particularly their emotional dimensions, to inform debates about public health messages and practitioner-patient discussions regarding alcohol use during pregnancy
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Publishing Date:
July 23, 2014
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Alcohol Use during Pregnancy: Considerations for Australian Policy
This article identifies issues which should guide FASD policy development in Australia.
-
Publishing Date:
August 21, 2014
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Education, safe drinking practices and FASD in Kimberley
This study was conducted in the Kimberly region (Western Australia) to determine what factors are associated with knowledge about drinking during pregnancy.
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Publishing Date:
September 1, 2014
Research
- Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Communities
- Alcohol & Pregnancy
- Breastfeeding & Alcohol
- FASD Assessment & Diagnosis
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Study protocol: Asking Questions about Alcohol in pregnancy
This article provides an overview of the Asking Questions about Alcohol (AQUA) study which examines the effects of low to moderate alcohol use during pregnancy.
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Publishing Date:
September 3, 2014
Research
- Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Communities
- Alcohol & Pregnancy
- FASD Assessment & Diagnosis
- Health Professionals
- Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Fine Motor Skills in Children With FASD
This systematic review examined which fine motor skills are impaired in children with FASD and prenatal alcohol exposure…
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Publishing Date:
November 1, 2014
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Midwives’ knowledge, attitudes and practice about alcohol exposure
This study investigates midwives’ knowledge, attitudes and practice in relation to alcohol consumption during pregnancy and FASD.
-
Publishing Date:
November 5, 2014
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Access to Justice Arrangements
The Productivity Commission’s report into equitable access to legal and justice system for all Australians.
-
Publishing Date:
December 3, 2014
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Message on a bottle
Are mothers-to-be adequately informed about the dangers of drinking during pregnancy?
-
Publishing Date:
January 15, 2015
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
The hidden harm: Alcohol’s impact on children and families
Excessive drinking is linked to negative outcomes in families. From modelling of poor drinking behaviours, family arguments and disrupted family occasions, relationships child injuries, ongoing child neglect and abuse, and domestic violence.
-
Publishing Date:
February 1, 2015
Research
- Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Communities
- Alcohol & Pregnancy
- Breastfeeding & Alcohol
- Health Professionals
- Policy
- Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Prevalence and patterns of alcohol use in pregnancy
A survey of caregivers in the Fitzroy Valley was carried out to determine how common alcohol use was and what were the patterns use…
-
Publishing Date:
February 19, 2015
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
The Preventable Disability
This report summarises the prevalence, social and economical impacts, management and prevention of FASD. It also reports on alcohol consumption and policy context within the Northern Territory.
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Publishing Date:
February 25, 2015
Research
- Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Communities
- Alcohol & Pregnancy
- FASD & Justice
- FASD Assessment & Diagnosis
- FASD management, therapy & support
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Increasing accurate self-report in surveys of pregnancy alcohol use
This study aimed to identify the factors which would allow women to provide accurate data on alcohol use in pregnancy.
-
Publishing Date:
March 1, 2015
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
FASD in Australia – the future is prevention
This article highlights efforts up until 2014 to recognise and prevent FASD in Australia. ..
-
Publishing Date:
March 30, 2015
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Knowledge and experiences relating to alcohol consumption in pregnancy
This study examined what information is being provided to women and their partners during pregnancy about alcohol use..
-
Publishing Date:
April 1, 2015
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Prevalence of fetal alcohol syndrome in a population-based sample of children living in remote Australia: The Lililwan Project
This study aimed to determine how common fetal alcohol syndrome and partial fetal alcohol syndrome was in the Fitzroy Valley…
-
Publishing Date:
April 1, 2015
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Paternal involvement in alcohol exposure during pre-conception and pregnancy
This overview of alcohol exposure and FASD provides nursing and midwifery professions with fundamental information about the condition.
-
Publishing Date:
May 1, 2015
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Mental and Behavioral Disorders Due to Substance Abuse and Perinatal Outcomes: A Study Based on Linked Population Data in New South Wales, Australia
This study published in 2014 linked birth and hospital records in NSW, Australia. Subjects included primiparous mothers admitted to hospital for MBD due to use of alcohol, opioids or cannabinoids during peri-conception and pregnancy
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Publishing Date:
May 20, 2015
Research
- Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Communities
- Alcohol & Pregnancy
- Breastfeeding & Alcohol
- Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Alcohol, hurting people and harming communities
Australian Government report into the harmful use of alcohol in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities…
-
Publishing Date:
June 25, 2015
Research
- Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Communities
- Alcohol & Pregnancy
- Breastfeeding & Alcohol
- FASD Assessment & Diagnosis
- Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Women aren’t following advice to stop drinking when pregnant
This article highlights the fact that around 40% of Australian women drink while pregnant and 10% reported binge drinking. The authors conclude that advice about drinking and messages about the risk of FASD are not getting through to women in Australia.
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Publishing Date:
July 7, 2015
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
State intervention in pregnancy: the law and FASD
This article considers whether or not the law in Australia should respond to the problem of FASD by allowing the involuntary treatment and detention of pregnant women.
-
Publishing Date:
September 1, 2015
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Review of FASD Interventions
This systematic review of 32 studies highlighted that most FASD research focused on 3-12 year olds and that there is growing evidence for the effectiveness of interventions.
-
Publishing Date:
November 18, 2015
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
FASD: A consideration of sentencing and unreliable confessions
This article reviews legal approaches in Australia, New Zealand and internationally…
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Publishing Date:
December 1, 2015
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Knowledge and practices of health professionals concerning alcohol consumption during pregnancy
This study explores the advice that health professionals provide to pregnant women about alcohol consumption…
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Publishing Date:
December 1, 2015
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Maternity-care: measuring women’s perceptions
The purpose of this paper is to outline the development of an instrument to assess women’s perception of their entire maternity-care experience. The scales produced from this research offer a means to assess maternity care across the full continuum of care and are brief and easy to use.
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Publishing Date:
February 8, 2016
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Predictors of postnatal mother-infant bonding: the role of antenatal bonding, maternal substance use and mental health
This study aimed to examine the extent to which mother-fetal bonding, substance use and mental health through pregnancy predicted postnatal mother-infant bonding.
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Publishing Date:
February 11, 2016
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Impairment of motor skills in children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders in remote Australia: The Lililwan Project
This study investigated the relationship between motor skills, FASD and prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) in the Fitzroy Valley.
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Publishing Date:
February 11, 2016
Research
- Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Communities
- FASD Assessment & Diagnosis
- FASD management, therapy & support
- Research
- Services
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders, Expert Evidence and the Unreliability of Admissions during Police Interviews
Case commentary from 2016. It has been recognised for over a decade that FASDs (FASDs), if not identified, can result in miscarriages of justice by reason of profoundly reducing the culpability, and on occasion even the responsibility, of criminal offenders. The potential for such disorders to result in the unreliability of admissions and confessions to police (which may be vital pieces of evidence against accused persons) had also been recognised in principle. However, the decision of the Privy Council in Pora v The Queen [2015] UKPC 9 provides an authoritative legal precedent for recognition of the fact that questioning by police has the potential to yield unreliable and confabulated confessions from persons with FASDs.
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Publishing Date:
February 25, 2016
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
The Royal Australasian College of Physicians & The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists: Alcohol Policy – March 2016
This policy document provides a comprehensive overview of the significant and varied harms
associated with alcohol, while making recommendations for addressing these harms. It highlights that a comprehensive, multifaceted approach to reducing alcohol-related harm is required.
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Publishing Date:
February 29, 2016
Research
- Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Communities
- Alcohol & Pregnancy
- FASD Assessment & Diagnosis
- Policy
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Prenatal Alcohol Exposure, FASD, and Child Behavior: A Meta-analysis
This review summarises the behaviours of children with FASD and/or prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE), assessed using the commonly-used Child Behavior Checklist, Teacher Report Form, or Youth Self-Report Form. This review of 23 studies reported that FASD and PAE are associated with problematic behaviour in many, but not all, functional brain domains.
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Publishing Date:
March 1, 2016
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Soft neurological signs and prenatal alcohol exposure: a population-based study in remote Australia
This study explored the relationship between gross motor skills, FASD and prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) in Australian Aboriginal children.
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Publishing Date:
March 15, 2016
Research
- Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Communities
- Alcohol & Pregnancy
- FASD management, therapy & support
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Review of the Criminal Law (Mentally Impaired Accused) Act 1996
This is a review of the laws in Western Australia which deal with accused who have been found by a court to be mentally unfit to stand trial.
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Publishing Date:
April 1, 2016
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
FactCheck Q&A: does Australia have some of the highest rates per capita of fetal alcohol syndrome in the world?
Sharman’s Stone’s statement is broadly correct. Based on current – albeit scarce – global data, results from the Lililwan project in Fitzroy Crossing reveal among the highest rates per capita of FAS or FASD in the world. However, it is important to note this is a study of a high risk population and cannot be used to make generalisations about Australia as a whole.
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Publishing Date:
April 18, 2016
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders: Using Knowledge, Attitudes and Practice of Justice Professionals to Support Their Educational Needs
This project aimed to find out what WA justice professionals knew about FASD, how it impacted on their work and what information and resources would help them.
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Publishing Date:
April 22, 2016
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Mechanisms of influence: Alcohol industry submissions to the inquiry into fetal alcohol spectrum disorders
This study examined all alcohol industry submissions to an Australian Government inquiry into FASD,to assist in understanding how those with vested interests contribute to policy development. The authors concluded that the alcohol industry sought to undermine community concern, debate the evidence, promote ineffective measures and attack independent health professionals and researchers.
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Publishing Date:
June 1, 2016
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Sympathy, shame, and few solutions: News media portrayals of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders
This study explored media coverage related to alcohol use during pregnancy and FASD with the aim of identifying ways to improve associated health messages. Researchers identified two frames for media coverage of FASD: sympathy and shame. The authors concluded that media portrayals that encourage women to refrain from alcohol consumption during pregnancy might be more useful than stigmatising and isolating those who do.
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Publishing Date:
June 4, 2016
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Study protocol for screening anddiagnosis of fetal alcohol spectrumdisorders (FASD) among young peoplesentenced to detention in WesternAustralia
This study aims to establish the prevalence of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) among sentenced young people in detention in Western Australia (WA). By identifying the rate of FASD within this population, the study seeks to develop a screening tool that can be utilized for young people entering detention. The translation of these findings will play a crucial role in guiding the management and support of young individuals with FASD in the detention system. Ultimately, the results of this study are expected to have significant implications for the lives of these young people and the future of Australian youth justice services, improving both individual outcomes and systemic responses.
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Publishing Date:
June 22, 2016
Research
- Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Communities
- FASD & Justice
- FASD Assessment & Diagnosis
- FASD management, therapy & support
- Health Professionals
- Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Gross motor performance in children prenatally exposed to alcohol and living in remote Australia
This review investigated the effectiveness of interventions to improve gross motor skills in children with mild to moderate movement disorders.
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Publishing Date:
July 20, 2016
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Visual-motor integration, visual perception, and fine motor coordination in a population of children with high levels of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
This study investigated deficits in visual-motor integration skills among Australian Aboriginal children with FASD or prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) living in remote areas. Visual-motor integration is the ability to coordinate vision and hand movement to accurately copy complex shapes, which is an important skill for handwriting and other school tasks. Many children in the study had poor visual-motor integration, but more children with FASD had problems with VMI than children without PAE. Children with FASD had additional problems with fine motor coordination.
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Publishing Date:
August 1, 2016
Research
- Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Communities
- Alcohol & Pregnancy
- FASD Assessment & Diagnosis
- Health Professionals
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Neuropsychological Aspects of Prevention and Intervention for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders in Australia
A multidisciplinary model in the implementation of FASD prevention, diagnosis and therapy approaches is considered best practice. A key challenge for Australian clinicians, policy makers and researchers is to collaborate on a coordinated, national response to FASD that is data-driven and aligned with international guidelines and study protocols.
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Publishing Date:
August 1, 2016
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
“Did you ever drink more?” A detailed description of pregnant women’s drinking patterns
This paper presents drinking patterns in a group of 1570 pregnant women. The study identified characteristics of pregnant women who either abstain, drink until pregnancy awareness or drink throughout pregnancy.
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Publishing Date:
August 2, 2016
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Australian Medical Association position paper: Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) – 2016
This position paper outlines the prevalence, prevention, diagnosis, treatment and support of FASD. It proposes 10 recommendations to improve these areas, as well as the overall awareness of FASD in Australia.
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Publishing Date:
August 24, 2016
Research
- Alcohol & Pregnancy
- FASD Assessment & Diagnosis
- FASD management, therapy & support
- Health Professionals
- Policy
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Graphomotor skills in children with prenatal alcohol exposure and fetal alcohol spectrum disorder: A population-based study in remote Australia
Handwriting and drawing (graphomotor) skills were assessed in Australian Aboriginal children with FASD and prenatal exposure to alcohol (PAE) in remote Western Australia. Graphomotor skills were poor and children with FASD performed significantly worse than children without PAE.
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Publishing Date:
September 19, 2016
Research
- Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Communities
- FASD Assessment & Diagnosis
- Research
- Teachers & schools
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander experience of law enforcement and justice services
This is a report by the Australian Government into a range of issues associated with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander experience of law enforcement and justices services.
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Publishing Date:
October 13, 2016
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Indefinite detention of people with cognitive and psychiatric impairment in Australia
Australian Government report into the aspects of indefinite detention of people with a cognitive and/or psychiatric impairment.
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Publishing Date:
November 29, 2016
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Interventions to improve gross motor performance in children with neurodevelopmental disorders: a meta-analysis
This review investigated the effectiveness of interventions to improve gross motor skills in children with mild to moderate movement disorders.
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Publishing Date:
November 29, 2016
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Perinatal maternal alcohol consumption and methylation of the dopamine receptor DRD4 in the offspring: the Triple B study
This study investigated underlying molecular mechanisms associated with FASD and adverse health outcomes.
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Publishing Date:
December 7, 2016
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
The development of a culturally appropriate school based intervention for Australian Aboriginal children living in remote communities: A formative evaluation of the Alert Program® intervention
This study describes the development of a pilot school-based Alert Program targeted to assist self-regulation in Aboriginal children affected by FASD.
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Publishing Date:
December 13, 2016
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Prenatal Alcohol Consumption Between Conception and Recognition of Pregnancy
The purpose of this study was to examine prevalence and predictors of alcohol consumption by women prior to awareness of their pregnancy, and trajectories of change to alcohol use following pregnancy recognition.
In this sample of relatively high SES women, most women ceased or reduced drinking once aware of their pregnancy. However, the rate of alcohol-exposed pregnancies was higher than previous estimates when the period prior to pregnancy recognition was taken into account.
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Publishing Date:
January 24, 2017
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Alcohol consumption by breastfeeding mothers: Frequency, correlates and infant outcomes
This study examined the frequency, correlates and outcomes of alcohol use during breastfeeding.
Data were from an Australian cohort study. Results showed alcohol use was reported by 60.7% and 69.6% of breastfeeding women at 8 weeks and 12 months postpartum, respectively. Breastfeeding women who consumed alcohol were more likely to be born in Australia or another English-speaking country, be tertiary educated and have higher household incomes. Most drank at low levels (<=14 standard drinks per week, <3 per occasion) and employed strategies (e.g. timing of alcohol use) to minimise alcohol passed onto infants via breastmilk. The authors concluded that low level drinking during breastfeeding is not linked with shorter breastfeeding duration or adverse outcomes in infants up to 12 months of age.
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Publishing Date:
March 13, 2017
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Profile of children diagnosed with a fetal alcohol spectrum disorder: A retrospective chart review
The aim of the current study was to report on the diagnostic profile of a group of children who attended the service, to document the extent to which there were comorbid diagnoses and to provide information on the neurocognitive functioning of the children. The current study demonstrates that with the relevant training and expertise, assessment and diagnosis of FASD can be embedded within the existing health services available in Australia.
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Publishing Date:
March 23, 2017
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
A qualitative evaluation of caregivers’ experiences, understanding and outcomes following diagnosis of FASD
The first diagnostic centre for FASD in Australia was set up in 2012 involving a range of health professionals providing a multi-disciplinary service. This article outlines the experience of diagnosis from the perspectives of caregivers of children with FASD.
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Publishing Date:
April 1, 2017
Zika prep confirms microcephaly and FASD link
This 25-year study into the baseline rate of microcephaly in Australia confirmed an important link with FASD. It was reported in the Western Australian population that there was a microcephaly prevalence of 1 in 1830 births and the most frequent cause was FASD, particularly in Aboriginal births.
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Publishing Date:
May 1, 2017
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Prevalence of microcephaly in an Australian population-based birth defects register, 1980–2015
This study set out to describe the prevalence (how many) and characteristics of microcephaly in a geographically defined Australian population. The authors identified a high proportion of cases without known cause, highlighting the need for clinicians to carefully investigate all possibilities, including emerging infections. FASD is an important cause of microcephaly in the Aboriginal population.
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Publishing Date:
May 1, 2017
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Maternal alcohol use disorder and childschool attendance outcomes for non Indigenous and Indigenous children in Western Australia: a population cohortrecord linkage study
This study examined the relationship between maternal alcohol use disorder and child school attendance in Western Australia. Maternal alcohol use disorder was significantly associated with poor attendance for both non-Indigenous and Indigenous children. However, there was no significant difference between timing of diagnosis and poor school attendance.
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Publishing Date:
May 1, 2017
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Prevalence and profile of neurodevelopment and FASD amongst Australian Aboriginal Children living in remote communities
This study assesses neurodevelopmental outcomes in a population of Australian Aboriginal children with and without prenatal alcohol exposure.
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Publishing Date:
May 9, 2017
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Maternal alcohol disorders and school achievement: a population cohort record linkage study in Western Australia
This study examines school achievement in children of Indigenous and non-Indigenous mothers with an alcohol-related diagnosis…
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Publishing Date:
May 9, 2017
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Association Between Prenatal Alcohol Exposure and Craniofacial Shape of Children at 12 Months of Age
Investigation of 3D facial images of one year old children with prenatal alcohol exposure. Shows subtle facial differences in children with alcohol exposure, even at low levels, when compared to children of abstinent mothers. Important message of biological effect of ethanol.
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Publishing Date:
June 5, 2017
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Prenatal alcohol exposure: No safe amount
Prenatal alcohol exposure is important for every mother to consider.
What women need to know:
If you are pregnant, or trying to get pregnant, no amount of alcohol use is safe.
All types of alcohol – inlcuding wine, beer, and hard liquor – have similar risks for your baby.
When a pregnant women drinks so does her baby.
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Publishing Date:
August 1, 2017
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Maternal Alcohol Use Disorder and Risk of Child Contact with the Justice System in Western Australia: A PopulationCohort Record Linkage Study
This study linked children of mothers who had an alcohol related disorder to their risk of having contact with the justice system in Western Australia.
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Publishing Date:
August 1, 2017
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
New Opportunities for Evidence in Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
This commentary pertains to a study looking at objective 3-dimensional facial imaging and differences between the facial shape of individuals with FAS and individuals without FAS or partial FAS, as well as those with heavy prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) but without a diagnosis of FAS or partial FAS. The results of this study, with its more precise and objective measures of dose, frequency, and timing of PAE, especially if confirmed by others and in larger samples, will continue the journey toward more robust evidence for informing health policy.
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Publishing Date:
August 1, 2017
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Assessment and Evaluation of FASD (FASD) and its Potential Relevance for Sentencing: A Clarion Call from Western Australia
Case commentary from 2017. LCM was a child of 15 whose diagnosis of FASD was not made prior to his being sentenced for manslaughter. The diagnosis arrived at by a multidisciplinary team shortly before his appeal to the Western Australian Court of Appeal in LCM v The State of Western Australia [2016] WASCA 164 resulted in a significant reduction in his sentence.
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Publishing Date:
August 2, 2017
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Behavior in Children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders in Remote Australia: A Population-Based Study
This study demonstrates that children with FASD have more teacher-reported behavioral impairment than children without FASD. In remote Australian communities, academic performance is poor.
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Publishing Date:
September 1, 2017
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Digital assessment of the fetal alcohol syndrome facial phenotype: reliability and agreement study
This study used the Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) Facial Photographic Analysis Software to assess the three sentinel facial features of FAS in a cohort of Australian Aboriginal children from 2D photographs. Results indicated that this assessment method had substantial inter- and intra-rater reliability; and that the African American Lip-Philtrum Guide 2 and Caucasian (Stromland) PFL norms provide the best fit for assessment of Australian Aboriginal children.
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Publishing Date:
September 11, 2017
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Maternal alcohol use disorder and subsequent child protection contact: A record-linkage population cohort study
This study examined the relationship between a maternal alcohol use diagnosis, the timing of diagnosis, and child protection outcomes in Western Australia. Results showed children of women who were diagnosed were at increased risk of a substantiated child protection allegation and entry into out-of-home care. The highest risk of child protection contact was associated with diagnosis received during pregnancy, and in the years immediately pre- and post-pregnancy.
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Publishing Date:
October 1, 2017
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
The Marulu Strategy 2008-2012: overcoming Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) in the Fitzroy Valley
This report outlines the development and implementation of the Marulu Strategy in the Fitzroy Valley in Western Australia.
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Publishing Date:
October 1, 2017
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Australian guide to the diagnosis of FASD: A summary
A summary of the trial and implementation of the diagnostic instrument for FASD in Australia.
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Publishing Date:
October 4, 2017
Research
- Alcohol & Pregnancy
- FASD Assessment & Diagnosis
- FASD management, therapy & support
- Health Professionals
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Pediatric hospital admissions in Indigenous children: a population-based study in remote Australia
This study published in 2017 analysed hospital admissions of a predominantly Aboriginal cohort of children in the remote Fitzroy Valley in Western Australia during the first 7 years of life.
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Publishing Date:
November 22, 2017
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Online scan of FASD prevention and health promotion resources for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities
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Publishing Date:
December 14, 2017
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
‘To drink or not to drink’: media framing of evidence and debate about alcohol consumption in pregnancy
The issue of alcohol consumption during pregnancy has garnered significant attention in Australia. This article examines how news media and parenting websites framed the issue in 2013–2014, focusing on the themes of ‘contested evidence and advice’ and ‘women’s rights.’ Public health guidelines recommend avoiding alcohol, but debate continues over the evidence and its impact. The article highlights how media reports on new research, both supporting and disputing the risks, and how the ‘women’s rights’ frame emphasizes personal choice over scientific advice, reflecting the complex negotiation of public health guidance during pregnancy.
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Publishing Date:
December 19, 2017
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
National FASD Strategic Action Plan 2018–2028
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Publishing Date:
January 7, 2018
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Developing a tablet computer-based application (‘App’) to measure self-reported alcohol consumption in Indigenous Australians
The challenges of assessing alcohol consumption can be greater in Indigenous communities where there may be culturally distinct approaches to communication, sharing of drinking containers and episodic patterns of drinking. This paper discusses the processes used to develop a tablet computer-based application (‘App’) to collect a detailed assessment of drinking patterns in Indigenous Australians. The key features of the resulting App are described.
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Publishing Date:
January 15, 2018
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Cohort Profile: The Triple B Pregnancy Cohort Study: A longitudinal study of the relationship between alcohol, tobacco and other substance use during pregnancy and the health and well-being of Australian children and families
The Triple B Pregnancy Cohort Study investigates the effects of parental alcohol, tobacco and other substance use on infant development and family functioning.
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Publishing Date:
February 1, 2018
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder and youth justice: a prevalence study among young people sentenced to detention in Western Australia
This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of FASD among young people in youth detention in Western Australia. A multidisciplinary assessment of 99 young people (10 – 17 years and 11 months) found 89% of young people had at least one domain of severe neurological impairment and 36% were diagnosed with FASD. The findings highlight the vulnerability of young people, particularly Aboriginal youth, within the justice system.
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Publishing Date:
February 13, 2018
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Maternal and partner prenatal alcohol use and infant cognitive development
Teratogenicity of heavy prenatal alcohol exposure is established, but uncertainty remains regarding the impact of moderate alcohol exposure on cognitive deficits in infants. Separating in utero effects from environmental confounding is a challenge for observational studies; consideration of alcohol use by partners as well as mothers may help clarify this. This study examined associations between prenatal alcohol use by both mothers and their partners and infant cognitive developmental outcomes at 12-months.
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Publishing Date:
February 23, 2018
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Assessing motor skills to inform a Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder diagnosis focusing on persons older than 12 years: A systematic review of the literature
This review aimed to examine the extent and common types of motor impairment present in persons aged over 12 years prenatally exposed to alcohol as evidence for determining the skills that should be assessed and addressed in intervention.
Researchers found some evidence that difficulties with fine motor skills, visual motor integration, and balance skills persist in people who have been prenatally exposed to alcohol. However, most studies did not focus on adolescent or adult participants in isolation, making it difficult to generalize results. It was concluded that a review of functional difficulties in each individual would be required to determine if a motor assessment is warranted.
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Publishing Date:
March 1, 2018
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Obstetric and perinatal outcomes in pregnancies with isolated foetal congenital heart abnormalities
This was a retrospective cohort study of women that delivered an infant with an isolated major CHD between January 2010 and April 2017 at a major Australian perinatal centre. The study cohort was compared with a cohort of women with infants without CHD. Cardiac abnormalities were broadly subdivided into the following five categories using the International Classification of Diseases Tenth Revision (ICD-10) as a guide – transposition of the great arteries (TGA), septal defects, right heart lesions (RHL), left heart lesions (LHL), and “other”. Demographic characteristics and obstetric, intrapartum, and perinatal outcomes were compared between the two cohorts.
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Publishing Date:
March 3, 2018
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Physiological self-regulation and mindfulness in children with a diagnosis of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder
The objective of this study was to explore the differences in baseline respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) between children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) and typically developing children (TDC) and to investigate whether children with FASD have the capacity to engage in a brief mindfulness exercise.
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Publishing Date:
April 10, 2018
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Applying a Developmental Framework to the Self-Regulatory Difficulties of Young Children with Prenatal Alcohol Exposure: A Review
Prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) is often linked to significant challenges in self-regulation. Interventions aimed at improving self-regulation in this population have been developed, but further progress could be achieved through the application of a multilevel theoretical framework that describes the development of self-regulation in early childhood. This framework could clarify the mechanisms underlying early adjustment problems in children with PAE and guide the creation of more targeted assessments and interventions. This review aims to: (1) provide an overview of the self-regulatory framework proposed by Calkins and colleagues, (2) examine common self-regulatory difficulties in children with PAE during infancy and early childhood within this developmental context, and (3) explore how the framework can enhance future assessment and intervention efforts for young children affected by PAE. Applying this developmental framework offers a systematic and theory-based approach to improving outcomes for young children with PAE.
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Publishing Date:
April 19, 2018
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Effect of Choline Supplementation on Neurological, Cognitive, and Behavioral Outcomes in Offspring Arising from Alcohol Exposure During Development: A Quantitative Systematic Review of Clinical and Preclinical Studies
Prenatal alcohol exposure leads to cognitive, behavioral, and neurological deficits in offspring, highlighting the urgent need for effective treatments. Maternal choline supplementation has emerged as a potential intervention. This review examined preclinical and clinical studies on choline supplementation in cases of fetal alcohol exposure to assess its effectiveness. A systematic search of six electronic databases identified 22 relevant studies (including randomized controlled trials, prospective cohort studies, and preclinical research). Choline’s success in preventing deficits varied depending on the timing of intervention relative to alcohol exposure. While preclinical studies showed significant improvements across various outcomes, only one clinical study demonstrated benefits in infants’ information processing. The findings suggest that choline supplementation may help mitigate deficits caused by prenatal alcohol exposure, particularly in preclinical models. However, further clinical trials are needed to evaluate its broader effectiveness in children.
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Publishing Date:
June 21, 2018
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
The provision of alcohol and breastfeeding information by maternal health practitioners in the Australian setting
In the 2009 National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Australian Guidelines to Reduce Health Risks from Drinking, a guideline specific to lactating women was included. For the first time the effect of alcohol at this important developmental stage was nationally and internationally acknowledged. To determine the degree to which maternal health practitioners adopted an Australian national policy guideline (Guideline 4B) on alcohol and breastfeeding into their everyday health practice and the factors associated with adoption. A convenience sample of participants completed an online survey based on the Nursing Practice Questionnaire (NPQ) to elicit measures of knowledge, awareness and practice implementation.
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Publishing Date:
June 21, 2018
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD): Knowledge, attitudes, experiences and practices of the Western Australian youth custodial workforce
This study aims to establish the current knowledge, attitudes, experiences and practices regarding FASD and other neurodevelopmental impairments among youth custodial officers in order to develop training resources for this workforce.
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Publishing Date:
July 12, 2018
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder in Australia: What is the current state of affairs?
Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) encompasses a range of difficulties caused by prenatal alcohol exposure. It is a significant but under-recognized and under-diagnosed public health issue in Australia. With the development of a new Commonwealth FASD Strategy (2018–2028) and substantial government funding for prevention, diagnosis, and intervention, it is crucial to review the current state of FASD in Australia and identify areas for future research and service improvements.
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Publishing Date:
August 15, 2018
FASD in Australia: What is the current state of affairs?
A new Commonwealth FASD Strategy (2018–2028) is being developed and the Australian Government has announced significant funding for the expansion of FASD prevention, diagnostic and intervention services around Australia. Therefore, it is timely to consider what the current state of affairs regarding FASD in Australia is and describe areas for future research and service delivery. This review was published in 2020
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Publishing Date:
August 15, 2018
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
A practice change intervention to improve antenatal care addressing alcohol consumption by women during pregnancy: research protocol for a randomised stepped-wedge cluster trial
The aim of this study is to examine the effectiveness, cost and cost-effectiveness of a multi-strategy practice change intervention in increasing antenatal care addressing the consumption of alcohol by pregnant women.
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Publishing Date:
August 20, 2018
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
When your disability doesn’t fit: ending discrimination against people with FASD in New South Wales law and policy
Gilbert + Tobin aims to prompt governments to develop a more inclusive definition of cognitive impairment (including FASD) for use in law and policy. The policy document was launched by Ms June Oscar AO Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner and Chief Justice Wayne Martin AC.
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Publishing Date:
August 30, 2018
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
National guide to a preventive health assessment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
The National Guide is a practical resource intended for all health professionals delivering primary healthcare to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people. Its purpose is to provide GPs and other health professionals with an accessible, user-friendly guide to best practice preventive healthcare for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients.
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Publishing Date:
September 1, 2018
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Reducing harms related to alcohol use in pregnancy: Policy and practice recommendations
This policy issues brief outlines the key issues contributing to high rates of alcohol use in pregnancy. It also reviews current policies related to alcohol consumption in pregnancy and FASD. It provides policy and practise recommendations to prevent alcohol consumption in pregnancy.
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Publishing Date:
September 26, 2018
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Responding to fetal alcohol spectrum disorder in Australia
Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is a major public health issue in Australia, often underdiagnosed and costly. It results from prenatal alcohol exposure and can lead to broad brain injury, but its prevalence in the general population remains unclear. In high-risk groups, Australian studies have found some of the highest FASD rates globally. A common misconception is that a child must have distinct facial features to be diagnosed with FASD; however, these features are present in only a minority of cases. FASD should be viewed as a ‘whole body’ disorder, as it is linked to increased health risks later in life. Clinicians may avoid diagnosing FASD due to stigma concerns, though evidence does not support this. The Australian Guide to the Diagnosis of FASD can help health professionals provide accurate diagnoses, leading to better outcomes through evidence-based interventions and prevention.
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Publishing Date:
October 7, 2018
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
A systematic review of prevention interventions to reduce prenatal alcohol exposure and fetal alcohol spectrum disorder in indigenous communities
Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is a preventable neurodevelopmental disorder caused by prenatal alcohol exposure, significantly affecting Indigenous communities worldwide. Despite numerous prevention interventions, their effectiveness has not been thoroughly evaluated. This systematic review updates the evidence on FASD prevention in Indigenous populations globally, including North America and New Zealand, and provides recommendations for future research.
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Publishing Date:
November 3, 2018
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Language diversity, language disorder, and fetal alcohol spectrum disorder among youth sentenced to detention in Western Australia
This study examined the language skills of 98 young people sentenced to detention in Western Australia (WA), who participated in a cross-sectional study examining the prevalence of FASD. Language skills assessed using standardised and non-standardised tasks were analysed by the three major language groups identified: speakers of SAE, Aboriginal English and English as an additional language.
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Publishing Date:
November 10, 2018
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Challenges in Accurately Assessing Prenatal Alcohol Exposure in a Study of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder in a Youth Detention Center
Prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) can lead to permanent disabilities, including physical, neurodevelopmental, and cognitive impairments, collectively known as fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD). Individuals with FASD are at higher risk of legal issues, including detention. A FASD prevalence study in Western Australia included young people sentenced to detention. Diagnosing FASD requires a multidisciplinary assessment and confirmation of maternal alcohol consumption during pregnancy, which posed significant challenges in accurately assessing PAE for study participants.
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Publishing Date:
November 14, 2018
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Challenges in accurately assessing PAE in a Study of FASD in a Youth Detention Center
Young people who were sentenced to detention participated in a FASD prevalence study in Western Australia. The diagnosis of FASD requires a multidisciplinary assessment and confirmation of maternal alcohol consumption during pregnancy. Obtaining accurate assessment of PAE for young people participating in the study was challenging.
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Publishing Date:
November 14, 2018
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
West Australian Alcohol and Drug Interagency Strategy 2018-2022
The Western Australian Alcohol and Drug Interagency Strategy 2018-2022 provides a guide for government and non-government organisations as well as the wider community to prevent and reduce the adverse impacts of alcohol and other drug use in Western Australia. It references FASD.
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Publishing Date:
December 17, 2018
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Maternal alcohol consumption during pregnancy and its association with offspring renal function at 30 years: Observation from a birth cohort study
Prenatal exposure to alcohol has adverse ramifications on foetal development resulting in developmental abnormalities and major congenital anomalies. Experimental studies have documented effects on kidney structure and function among offspring exposed to alcohol during foetal life; however, human evidence is scarce. The study aimed to determine the development of CKD among a cohort of 30-year-old Australian offspring whose mothers reported consumption of alcohol during pregnancy. The study sample comprised 1626 offspring of the Australia cohort study (MUSP) whose serum creatinine was assessed at 30 years of age and CKD was categorized from stage 1 to stage 5 based on their level of eGFR following the CKD-EPI definition.
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Publishing Date:
January 1, 2019
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
The picture talk project: Aboriginal community input on consent for research
The consent and community engagement process for research with Indigenous communities is rarely evaluated. Research protocols are not always collaborative, inclusive or culturally respectful. If participants do not trust or understand the research, selection bias may occur in recruitment, affecting study results potentially denying participants the opportunity to provide more knowledge and greater understanding about their community. Poorly informed consent can also harm the individual participant and the community as a whole.
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Publishing Date:
January 29, 2019
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Illawarra Born cross-generational health study: feasibility of a multi-generational birth cohort study
The purpose of this paper is to report on the feasibility and acceptability of the research protocol for a collaborative cross-generation health study in the community and test recruitment and outcome measures for the main study. This feasibility study included pregnant women who were intending to give birth in the Illawarra-Shoalhaven region in Eastern Australia. The area includes a large, regional referral hospital, with capacity to treat specialist and complex cases. Pregnant women were asked to participate in five data collection waves beginning at 22 weeks gestation and ending with a 6-month post-partum appointment. Recruitment was then extended, via the pregnant women, to also include fathers and maternal grandmothers.
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Publishing Date:
February 1, 2019
Changing Direction: Mental Health Needs of Justice-Involved Young People in Australia
This 2019 report presents initial findings on the mental health of 465 justice-involved young people.
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Publishing Date:
February 6, 2019
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Benefits of Caseload Midwifery to Prevent Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder: A Discussion Paper
This paper provides an overview of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder and discusses the role of caseload midwifery as part of a multi-level prevention approach.
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Publishing Date:
February 27, 2019
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Women’s experiences of messages relating to alcohol consumption, received during their first antenatal care visit: An interpretative phenomenological analysis
To explore and interpret the messages women receive during their first antenatal care visit, relating to alcohol consumption.
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Publishing Date:
March 1, 2019
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Adverse reproductive outcomes associated with fetal alcohol exposure: A systematic review
We used a systematic review approach to locate all clinical and preclinical studies across a broad range of health outcomes in offspring exposed to prenatal alcohol. Our search encompassed four databases (PubMed, CINAHL, EMBASE and Web of Science) and titles/abstracts from retrieved studies were screened against strict inclusion/exclusion criteria. Published in 2019
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Publishing Date:
April 5, 2019
Understanding contraceptive behaviour
The combined behaviours of alcohol consumption and ineffective or non-use of contraception could place sexually active individuals of reproductive age at risk of unintended alcohol-exposed pregnancy. The first aim of this study published in 2019 was to assess levels of contraceptive use in a sample of university students who reported using alcohol. The second aim was to assess knowledge of contraception, reproduction, risks of alcohol use while pregnant, and attitudes regarding contraception compared with reported contraceptive use behaviour.
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Publishing Date:
April 10, 2019
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Contextual Influences Experienced by Queensland Midwives: A Qualitative Study Focusing on Alcohol and Other Substance Use During Pregnancy
The purpose of this study published in 2019 was to understand the experiences and contextual factors that influence the ability of midwives to provide appropriate support to women regarding alcohol and other drug (AOD)e use during pregnancy, in the Queensland context
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Publishing Date:
June 3, 2019
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Periconceptional alcohol exposure
The current study published in 2019 characterises the impact on blastocyst, uterine and placental outcomes in a rat model of periconceptional alcohol exposure, in which 12.5% ethanol is administered in a liquid diet from 4 days before until 4 days after conception.
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Publishing Date:
June 10, 2019
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Low-moderate PAE and ADHD
The purpose of this study published in 2019 was to evaluate the available evidence on the association between low-to-moderate prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) and the development of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms in the offspring.
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Publishing Date:
June 20, 2019
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Has a national policy guideline influenced the practice of raising the topic of alcohol and breastfeeding by maternal healthcare practitioners?
Globally, the public health recommendation for exclusive breastfeeding to the first 6 months of life is not being achieved by many low- and middle-income countries. Many factors have been determined to affect the early cessation of breastfeeding; however, little attention has been paid to the role of alcohol, an increasingly favoured commodity, particularly in these Westernised nations. Maternal healthcare practitioners play a pivotal role in a woman’s breastfeeding journey by providing timely advice that can help support continued breastfeeding. Maternal healthcare practitioners (MHP) from across Australia were invited to take part in a semi-structured telephone interview (n = 19) to elicit their knowledge of a national alcohol policy guideline on alcohol and breastfeeding, their confidence to provide information on this topic, and if they were routinely incorporating conversations on alcohol and breastfeeding into their practice. The results affirmed that the majority of MHP were not aware of the national policy providing direction for safely consuming alcohol during lactation and were not incorporating this information into their practice. This study suggests having a national policy guideline for safe alcohol consumption during lactation has not promoted awareness of this topic among MHP as a potential strategy to support long-term breastfeeding duration.
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Publishing Date:
June 21, 2019
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Can fetal alcohol exposure increase the risk of hypertension?
This invited “Comment†piece in 2019 accompanied a landmark paper by Cook and colleagues (Alcohol Clin Exp Res. 2019 Aug;43(8):1727-1733. doi: 10.1111/acer.14121) which was the first study to demonstrate an association between hypertension and children and adolescents with a FASD. The authors highlight that although animals studies had demonstrated an association between prenatal alcohol exposure and high blood pressure, similar data was lacking in cohorts of people with a FASD diagnosis.
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Publishing Date:
June 25, 2019
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
A fetal alcohol spectrum disorder diagnostic service and beyond: Outcomes for families
Thestudy aimed to explore the lived experiences of Australian caregivers who received a FASD diagnosis for a child in their care, usingthe Australian Guide to the Diagnosis of FASD.
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Publishing Date:
July 26, 2019
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
PROTOCOL: Interventions for improving executive functions in children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder: Systematic review and meta-analysis
To be included in this review published in 2019, the study must use a structured psychological intervention that aims to improve or change EF in children using either (a) a faceâ€toâ€face format, (b) computerized format, or (c) both. Interventions must be delivered using (a) individual or (b) group format. Finally, interventions will be considered eligible if they are administered either (a) directly to children (e.g., working memory training) or (b) to children and caregivers/families.
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Publishing Date:
July 26, 2019
Can Fetal Alcohol Exposure Increase the Risk of Hypertension? A New Study in Children and Adolescents Diagnosed With Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Suggests It Can
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Publishing Date:
August 12, 2019
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Does child maltreatment predict alcohol use disorders in young adulthood? A cohort study of linked notifications and survey data
This study explores the association between prospectively substantiated child maltreatment and problem alcohol use in adulthood, addressing a gap in research that predominantly relies on retrospective data. Using a prospective cohort record linkage correlational design, data from a statutory child protection agency were linked with a birth cohort from a major metropolitan maternity hospital, as part of the Mater-University of Queensland Study of Pregnancy in Brisbane, Australia.
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Publishing Date:
August 27, 2019
‘He Has Problems; He Is Not the Problem . . .’ A Qualitative Study of Non-Custodial Staff Providing Services for Young Offenders Assessed for Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder in an Australian Youth Detention Centre
This study addresses the limited understanding of the challenges faced by non-custodial youth detention center staff in supporting young people with foetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD). A qualitative inquiry was conducted to explore and describe the perspectives of non-custodial staff regarding the value of an FASD prevalence study. Data were gathered through semi-structured interviews and focus groups and analyzed using thematic network analysis. While staff expressed few concerns about the prevalence study itself or its impact on participating youth, several barriers were identified related to the study’s processes, as well as practices and culture within their workplace. These barriers hindered the ability to fully benefit from the research and its findings.
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Publishing Date:
August 28, 2019
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Outcomes and needs of health and education professionals following fetal alcohol spectrum disorder-specific training
Understanding professionals’ views and needs can help advance service provision and improve future training opportunities, Therefore, the current study examined the experiences of Australian and New Zealand professionals who have attended fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD)-specific training and the impact of this training on their current practices. A total of 52 health and education professionals from Australia and New Zealand completed an online survey that asked about their training experiences; changes in practice following training; their experiences implementing assessments in their workplace; and, for Australian professionals, their experiences of using the recently released Australian Guide to FASD diagnosis.
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Publishing Date:
August 29, 2019
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Caregiver and family quality of life for children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder
Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is a common neurodevelopmental condition. Given that individuals with FASD can experience lifelong challenges, one field of research that could be applicable is the paediatric chronic health literature. The aim of the study was to investigate the utility of the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) Family Impact Module, designed to measure the impact of paediatric chronic health conditions on caregivers and families. 109 caregivers of children with FASD completed an online survey that assessed a range of areas including, caregiver and family quality of life, caregiver mental health and child behaviour.
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Publishing Date:
August 30, 2019
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Development and monitoring of a multi-layered clinician training program towards practice change
The study underscores the importance of using advanced imaging techniques to improve management and outcomes in pregnancies complicated by suspected growth issues.
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Publishing Date:
September 1, 2019
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Pregnancy, Fertility, Breastfeeding, and Alcohol Consumption: An Analysis of Framing and Completeness of Information Disseminated by Alcohol Industry-Funded Organizations
Information on alcohol consumption in relation to fertility, pregnancy, and breastfeeding was extracted from the websites of 23 alcohol industry-funded bodies (e.g., Drinkaware [United Kingdom] and DrinkWise [Australia]), and 19 public health organizations (e.g., Health.gov and NHS Choices). Comparative qualitative and quantitative analysis of the framing and completeness of this information was undertaken.
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Publishing Date:
September 1, 2019
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Protocol for the Yapatjarrathati project: a mixed-method implementation trial of a tiered assessment process for identifying fetal alcohol spectrum disorders in a remote Australian community
Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is a highly prevalent neurodevelopmental disorder associated with prenatal alcohol exposure. Early identification can improve functioning for individuals and reduce costs to society. Gold standard methods of diagnosing FASD rely on specialists to deliver intensive, multidisciplinary assessments. While comprehensive, prevalence rates highlight that this assessment model cannot meet demand, nor is it feasible in remote areas where specialist services are lacking. This project aims to expand the capabilities of remote practitioners in north Queensland, Australia, where 23–94% of the community identify as First Nations people. Integrating cultural protocols with the implementation science theories of Knowledge-To-Action, Experience-Based Co-Design, and RE-AIM, remote practitioners with varying levels of experience will be trained in a co-designed, culturally appropriate, tiered neurodevelopmental assessment process that considers FASD as a potential outcome. This innovative assessment process can be shared between primary and tertiary health care settings, improving access to services for children and families. This project aims to demonstrate that neurodevelopmental assessments can be integrated seamlessly with established community practices and sustained through evidence-based workforce development strategies.
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Publishing Date:
September 9, 2019
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
RE-AIM evaluation of a teacher-delivered programme to improve the self-regulation of children attending Australian Aboriginal community primary schools
Studies in north-western Australia Aboriginal communities identified executive functioning and behavioural regulation as significant issues for children. Exposure to alcohol prenatally and adverse childhood experiences are known risk factors for impaired self-regulation and executive function, these risk factors being present in remote communities. In response, a partnership was initiated to trial a teacher-delivered self-regulation intervention based on the Alert Program®. While student outcomes were assessed, this paper describes the implementation and impact of the intervention on teachers through the five dimensions of the RE-AIM framework (Reach, Efficacy, Adoption, Implementation, Maintenance). Trained classroom teachers (n = 29) delivered eight Alert Program® lessons to students over 8- weeks. Impact and implementation outcomes were assessed through teacher training and student lesson attendance data, and pre-training and post-intervention teacher questionnaires. Data were analysed using paired-samples t-tests and descriptive statistics. Eighty-one to 100% of prescribed lessons were implemented and teacher understanding of self-regulation and the Alert Program® improved significantly following the intervention (n = 14, p ≤ .001). Most teachers (88%) reported changing their teaching and behaviour management practices because of the intervention and agreed there were benefits in teaching the Alert Program® to students in a region with high reported rates of foetal alcohol spectrum disorder and self-regulation impairment.
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Publishing Date:
October 7, 2019
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
PAE programmes offspring disease: insulin resistance in adult males in a rat model of acute exposure
This study published in 2019 examined the effect of an acute but moderate prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) on glucose metabolism, lipid levels and dietary preference in adolescent and/or adult rat offspring.
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Publishing Date:
October 8, 2019
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Jandu Yani U ‘For All Families’ Triple P—positive parenting program in remote Australian Aboriginal communities: a study protocol for a community intervention trial
The population-based (Lililwan) study of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) revealed a high prevalence of FASD in the remote communities of the Fitzroy Valley, Western Australia (WA) and confirmed anecdotal reports from families and teachers that challenging child behaviours were a significant concern. In response, Marninwarntikura Women’s Resource Centre initiated a partnership with researchers from The University of Sydney to bring the positive parenting program (Triple P) to the Valley. Triple P has been effective in increasing parenting skills and confidence, and improving child behaviour in various Indigenous communities.
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Publishing Date:
October 9, 2019
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Adverse Health Outcomes Associated With Fetal Alcohol Exposure: A Systematic Review Focused on Cardio–Renal Outcomes
The purpose of this study published in 2019 was to undertake a comprehensive review to identify all the available pre-clinical and clinical literature investigating cardiovascular and renal outcomes in offspring with prenatal alcohol exposure.
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Publishing Date:
October 13, 2019
Overcoming the challenges of caring for a child with foetal alcohol spectrum disorder: A Pilbara community perspective
Foetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is a neurodevelopmental impairment that may result in individuals experiencing poor development, cognitive issues and disruptive behaviours. In Australia, the prevalence of FASD is unknown; however, two studies have revealed the prevalence of FASD in high risk populations in Western Australia. Individuals with FASD may experience higher rates of negative outcomes including poor school performance, involvement with the justice system and incarceration, substance use and are at risk of being placed in out-of-home care. Caregivers of children with FASD can experience challenges and high levels of stress due to the disruptive behaviours displayed by many children diagnosed with FASD. Whilst experiences of caregivers raising children with FASD have been documented globally, little is known about the experiences of caregivers in a remote Australian context, particularly from an Australian Aboriginal perspective. This study aimed to investigate the experiences of caregivers in a remote Australian context. The findings will be valuable to inform programs at the family, community and broader policy levels that can help enhance children’s development and wellbeing.
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Publishing Date:
October 17, 2019
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Review of Aboriginal child health services in remote Western Australia identifies challenges and informs solutions
This work published in 2019 aimed to identify and map child health services in the very remote Fitzroy Valley, West Kimberley, and document barriers to effective service delivery.
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Publishing Date:
October 26, 2019
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Periconceptional ethanol exposure induces a sex specific diuresis and increase in AQP2 and AVPR2 in the kidneys of aged rat offspring
Given that most women who drink alcohol cease consumption upon pregnancy recognition, we aimed to investigate the effect of alcohol around the time of conception on offspring renal development and function. This study was published in 2019
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Publishing Date:
November 6, 2019
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Disability “In-Justice”: The Benefits and Challenges of “Yarning” With Young People Undergoing Diagnostic Assessment for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder in a Youth Detention Center
Undertaking research with young people presents an array of methodological challenges. The study report the findings from a qualitative study that took place alongside a fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) prevalence study among detainees in Australia. Of 38 participants, 27 were Aboriginal youth. Interviews were conducted using “social yarning” and “research topic yarning,” an Indigenous research method which allows for data collection in an exploratory, culturally safe way. A complex interplay emerged between social yarning and research topic yarning which provided a space to explore responsively with participants their experiences of FASD assessments. Flexibility, including language adaptation and visual descriptions about assessments, was utilized to assist participants recall and retell their experiences. There were, however, challenges in gathering data on the assessment experiences of some participants. The study describe how employing a “yarning” method for collecting data could benefit children and young people undergoing neurodevelopmental assessments in the future.
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Publishing Date:
November 6, 2019
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Warning Labels about Alcohol Consumption and Pregnancy: Moving from Industry Self-regulation to Law
Alcohol consumption during pregnancy carries known risks to the foetus in the form of foetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD). One of the interventions for the prevention of FASD is the application of warning labels to packaged alcoholic beverages. Between 2011 and 2018, the Australian Government allowed the alcohol organisation, DrinkWise, to operate an industry self-regulatory scheme to provide alcohol producers with prototype warnings about drinking during pregnancy. In 2018, the government announced that it would be mandating alcohol and pregnancy warnings through Food Standards Australia New Zealand. This section argues that a proper appraisal of the DrinkWise Labelling Scheme at the outset would have demonstrated its inherent regulatory incapacity to operate as an effective health information policy. The DrinkWise Labelling Scheme is missing two essential elements of functional industry self-regulation: a strong normative framework and mechanisms for norm creation, implementation and enforcement.
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Publishing Date:
December 1, 2019
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Lifestyle and Psychological Factors Associated with Pregnancy Intentions: Findings from a Longitudinal Cohort Study of Australian Women
Preconception is a critical time for the establishment of healthy lifestyle behaviours and psychological well-being to reduce adverse maternal and offspring outcomes. This study aimed to explore relationships between preconception lifestyle and psychological factors and prospectively assessed short- (currently trying to conceive) and long-term (future parenthood aspirations) pregnancy intentions. Data from Wave 3 (age 25-30 years; n = 7656) and Wave 5 (age 31-36 years; n = 4735) from the Australian Longitudinal Study of Women’s Health were used. Pregnancy intentions and parenthood aspirations were evaluated. Logistic regressions explored cross-sectional associations between demographic, lifestyle and psychological factors and pregnancy intentions/parenthood aspirations.
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Publishing Date:
December 13, 2019
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Fallen by the wayside: Young people with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) in New Zealand’s youth justice system
PhD Thesis Doctor of Philosophy University of Otago
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Publishing Date:
December 15, 2019
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Putting ‘Justice’ in Recovery Capital: Yarning about hopes and futures with young people indetention
This 2020 article focuses on the hope, relationships and educational experiences of 38 detained youth in Western Australia. The study uses a ‘social yarning’ approach.
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Publishing Date:
January 9, 2020
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Community based CDS for FASD
The aims of the current study published in 2020 were to: (i) report on the diagnostic profile of a group of children assessed for FASD (FASD) using the Australian Guide to the Diagnosis of FASD; and (ii) to provide information and recommendations for paediatricians and/or multidisciplinary teams conducting FASD assessments, including utilising the Australian Guide to the Diagnosis of FASD, and details of how to do FASD assessment.
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Publishing Date:
January 13, 2020
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Moderate prenatal ethanol exposure in the rat promotes kidney cell apoptosis, nephron deficits, and sex-specific kidney dysfunction in adult offspring
In this work published in 2020, the effects of moderate ethanol exposure throughout pregnancy on kidney development were examined using a rat model. Rats were fed a liquid diet containing 6% ethanol (vol/vol) or control (0% ethanol) throughout pregnancy.
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Publishing Date:
January 26, 2020
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Barriers and facilitators in antenatal settings to screening and referral of pregnant women who use alcohol or other drugs: A qualitative study of midwives’ experience
Screening pregnant women for substance use is highly recommended in antenatal care settings. Although midwives provide routine screening for substance use and referral for treatment in pregnancy, little is known about the barriers and facilitators they experience. The study explored barriers and facilitators experienced by midwives in antenatal settings to screening and referral of pregnant women who use alcohol or other drugs.
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Publishing Date:
February 1, 2020
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
FASD: The importance of assessment, diagnosis and support in the Australian justice context
This 2020 article outlines how individuals with FASD may experience inequalities with the justice system. It focuses on why assessment, diagnosis and intervention is important and the role of health and justice professionals in promoting more equitable outcomes for individuals with FASD involved with the justice system.
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Publishing Date:
February 13, 2020
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Acceptability of screening for pregnancy intention
The aim of this study published in 2020 was to gauge the planned preconception health behaviours and attitudes towards being asked about pregnancy intention by a general practitioner (GP) among people of reproductive age in Australia.
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Publishing Date:
February 19, 2020
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Acceptability of screening for pregnancy intention in general practice: a population survey of people of reproductive age
The aim of this study published in 2020 was to gauge the planned preconception health behaviours and attitudes towards being asked about pregnancy intention by a general practitioner (GP) among people of reproductive age in Australia.
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Publishing Date:
February 20, 2020
PAE and developmental programming of mental illness
This review published in 2020 will discuss the evidence that indicates low-dose and early prenatal alcohol exposure can increase the risk of mental illness in offspring and discuss the mechanistic pathways that may be involved.
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Publishing Date:
February 20, 2020
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Maternal alcohol use disorder and child outcomes
The objective of this study published in 2020 was to investigate the relationship between maternal alcohol-use disorder and multiple biological and social child outcomes, including birth outcomes, child protection, justice contact, and academic outcomes for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous children.
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Publishing Date:
March 1, 2020
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Alcohol use in pregnancy and its impact on the mother and child
The aim of this study published in 2020 was to review the impact of prenatal alcohol exposure on the outcomes of the mother and child.
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Publishing Date:
March 9, 2020
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Getting on with it: A Course by Caregivers, for Caregivers – Pilot Overview and Evaluation Report
This report published in 2020 outlines the development of the digital online Getting on with it (GOWI) pilot between NOFASD and Dr Anita Gibbs over the course of 2019, and includes a combined evaluation report of an internal brief survey as well as an external telephone-based evaluation undertaken in early 2020 by an independent, external contractor
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Publishing Date:
March 11, 2020
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Drinking or Smoking While Breastfeeding and Later Academic Outcomes in Children
This study published in 2020 examined whether drinking or smoking while breastfeeding was associated with reductions in Australian National Assessment Program-Literacy and Numeracy assessments. Data was sourced from The Growing Up in Australia Study. This is an ongoing longitudinal study of 5107 infants and mothers recruited in 2004 and followed over time every two years.
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Publishing Date:
March 20, 2020
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Experiences of Children with FASD and Their Families: A Critical Review
A critical review of existing research was conducted in 2020 using a critical interpretive synthesis approach. Results revealed that whilst many studies discussed impacts at the body functions and structures level of children with FASD, they often did not consider the activity, participation, and environmental factors also contributing to the daily functioning of this population. Several studies discussed caregiver experiences and challenges raising a child with FASD; however, no studies investigated the lived experiences relating to impacts across activities and environments from children’s perspectives. In addition, the focus on deficits overshadowed investigation into the strengths of children with FASD, leaving a gap in the picture of their daily lives.
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Publishing Date:
April 13, 2020
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
The Demographic and Neurocognitive Profile of Clients Diagnosed With Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder in PATCHES Paediatrics Clinics Across Western Australia and the Northern Territory
The aim of this study published in 2020 was to describe the demographic and neurocognitive profile of the first 199 individuals diagnosed with FASD in PATCHES Paediatrics clinics.
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Publishing Date:
April 24, 2020
Influences on drinking choices among Indigenous and non-Indigenous pregnant women in Australia: A qualitative study
Despite women’s awareness that drinking alcohol in pregnancy can lead to lifelong disabilities in a child, it appears that an awareness alone does not discourage some pregnant women from drinking. To explore influences on pregnant women’s choices around alcohol use, we conducted interviews and group discussions with 14 Indigenous Australian and 14 non-Indigenous pregnant women attending antenatal care in a range of socioeconomic settings. This article was published in 2020
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Publishing Date:
April 30, 2020
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Development of referral pathway framework for fetal alcohol spectrum disorder in the Pilbara
This 2020 article describes the process of mapping referral pathways to develop a localised resource to enhance the journey to diagnosis, treatment and support for FASD (FASD) in a regional community setting.
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Publishing Date:
May 6, 2020
A qualitative examination of the cognitive and behavioural challenges experienced by children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder
This study published in 2020 explores the cognitive and behavioural difficulties and impairments experience by children with FASD aged between four and 12 years from the perspective of caregivers.
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Publishing Date:
May 13, 2020
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Moderate episodic prenatal alcohol does not impact female offspring fertility in rats
The current study published in 2020 utilised a moderate, episodic exposure model in rats to mimic ‘special occasion’ drinking, which is reported to be common during pregnancy. Our objective was to examine the consequences of this prenatal alcohol exposure on reproductive parameters in female offspring.
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Publishing Date:
May 13, 2020
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Evaluation of a Codesign Method Used to Support the Inclusion of Children With Disability in Mainstream Schools
The aim of this study was to evaluate a co-design method used to design an online education package about inclusive education for children with disability in mainstream schools. The study design was a multiple methods evaluation informed by participatory and transformative research paradigms, incorporating design sciences and public service approaches.
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Publishing Date:
May 18, 2020
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Preconception health & lifestyle behaviours of Women Planning a Pregnancy: A Cross-Sectional Study
Published in 2020 this article reports on a crossâ€sectional survey of Australian women in preconception, stratified by pregnancy planning stage (active planners (currently trying to conceive) vs. nonâ€active planners (pregnancy planned within 1–5 years)), assessed health behaviours and their alignment to preconception guidelines.
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Publishing Date:
June 4, 2020
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Caregiver-reported physical health status of children and young people with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder
While FASD (FASD) has primarily been thought of as a neurodevelopmental condition, research is beginning to highlight its ‘whole-body’ implications. Accordingly, the current study published in 2020 sought to provide a snapshot of potential health issues.
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Publishing Date:
June 9, 2020
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Cognitive and social/emotional influences on adaptive functioning in children with FASD: Clinical and cultural considerations
In a study of 39 children with FASD and 29 comparison children published in 2020, we found that social cognition (specifically recognizing emotions) was the only significant independent predictor of teacher-rated adaptive functioning even after including IQ, executive functioning, and adverse childhood experiences into the model. In this current study, MÄori (Indigenous people of Aotearoa New Zealand) were overrepresented; therefore, the research was supported by a strong partnership with Te WÄhanga Hauora MÄori (MÄori Health Service). Aotearoa New Zealand’s colonized history is recognized and findings are discussed with regard to both the psychological literature and a Te Ao MÄori worldview.
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Publishing Date:
June 10, 2020
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Self regulation & executive function
Researchers partnered with the local Aboriginal health organization and schools to develop and pilot a manualized version of the Alert Program® in the Fitzroy Valley, north Western Australia, a region with documented high rates of FASD and early life trauma. Published in 2020
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Publishing Date:
June 17, 2020
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
A reduction in reported alcohol use in pregnancy in Australian Aboriginal communities: a prevention campaign showing promise
This study published in 2020 reports on a reduction in reported prenatal alcohol exposure in an Aboriginal community setting during a period of prevention activities and provides initial evidence for a community led strategy that might be applicable to similar communities
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Publishing Date:
July 6, 2020
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Caregivers of Children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder: Psychosocial Factors and Evidence for Self-compassion as a Potential Intervention Target
The aim of this study published in 2020 was to explore experiences of caregivers of children, adolescents and young adults diagnosed with FASD. More specifically, we examined the relationship between shame, guilt, pride, self compassion and caregiver psychological distress. It was hypothesised that shame, guilt, pride and self-compassion would be uniquely associated with caregiver psychological distress.We also examined differences between biological and non-biological caregivers on these variables. It was hypothesised that relative to non-biological caregivers, biological parents would (i) report significantly higher levels of psychological distress, guilt and shame and (ii) report significantly lower self-compassion scores.
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Publishing Date:
July 11, 2020
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Australia high rates of drinking pregnancy
This article discusses the importance of introducing mandatory alcohol pregnancy warning labels in Australia and New Zealand.
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Publishing Date:
July 16, 2020
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Change Over Time in Australian Newspaper Reporting of Drinking During Pregnancy: A Content Analysis (2000-2017)
This paper published in 2020 analyses the content of news media messages on drinking during pregnancy in Australia over an 18-year period to understand whether and how the nature of messages communicated to women has changed over time.
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Publishing Date:
July 17, 2020
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
A preliminary investigation of the effects of PAE on facial morphology in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
In the present study, we conducted a preliminary investigation to examine facial morphology in autistic children with and without prenatal alcohol exposure. This was published in 2020
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Publishing Date:
August 1, 2020
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Improving treatment and outcomes for young people with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder in the youth justice system: A social work led response and practice framework
Young people with FASD (FASD) in Aotearoa New Zealand are both primed for, and hindered within the youth justice (YJ) system. This research published in 2020 provides a fresh perspective on how social workers can take a lead role in ensuring young people with FASD receive neurodevelopmentally appropriate interventions both within the YJ system and upon return to their communities.
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Publishing Date:
August 5, 2020
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Public support for alcohol control
The aim of this study published in 2020 was to asses public support for a range of recommended alcohol control initiatives across seven countries with varying sociocultural profiles.
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Publishing Date:
August 5, 2020
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Reframe Behaviour
This study published in 2020 describes the conception, implementation and evaluation of a training intervention aiming to upskill the custodial workforce in the management of youth with FASD and NDI; 117 staff participated in the intervention, and 109 completed pre- and post-intervention surveys. Improvements were seen across almost all knowledge and attitude items, and the intervention was considered highly necessary, appropriate and valuable by the workforce.
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Publishing Date:
August 6, 2020
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
APSU Annual Surveillance Report 2019
The Australian Paediatric Surveillance Unit (APSU) has been prospectively collecting national data on rare childhood conditions since 1993, with monthly reporting of cases by paediatricians. In this report we describe annual results from studies for ten communicable diseases and complications of communicable diseases that were conducted using APSU surveillance in 2019 and place these in an historic context.
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Publishing Date:
August 6, 2020
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Teacher delivered programme
Exposure to alcohol prenatally and adverse childhood experiences are known risk factors for impaired self-regulation and executive function, these risk factors being present in remote communities. In response, a partnership was initiated to trial a teacher-delivered self-regulation intervention based on the Alert Program®. While student outcomes were assessed, this paper published in 2020 describes the implementation and impact of the intervention on teachers through the five dimensions of the RE-AIM framework (Reach, Efficacy, Adoption, Implementation, Maintenance).
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Publishing Date:
August 9, 2020
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
20 years to pregnancy warning label
Article by Dr Nicki Jackson, Executive Director Alcohol Healthwatch on the decades it can take for collective advocacy efforts to achieve success in getting effective policies and interventions over the line.
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Publishing Date:
August 12, 2020
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Protocol for an economic evaluation and budget impact assessment of a randomised, stepped-wedge controlled trial for practice change support to increase routine provision of antenatal care for maternal alcohol consumption.
Antenatal clinical practice guidelines recommend routine assessment of women’s alcohol consumption during pregnancy. The delivery of advice and referral when necessary are also recommended. However, evidence suggests there are barriers to the uptake of best care guidelines. Effective, cost-effective and affordable implementation strategies are needed to ensure the intended benefit of guidelines are realized through addressing identified barriers. This paper published in 2020 describes the protocol for evaluating the efficiency and affordability of a practice change intervention compared to usual practice in an implementation trial.
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Publishing Date:
August 16, 2020
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Annotated bibliography ANZ
This annotated 2019-2020 bibliography has been curated by members of the University of Queensland Programming in Developmental Disease Research Group
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Publishing Date:
August 18, 2020
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Are antenatal interventions effective in improving multiple health behaviours among pregnant women? A systematic review protocol.
Maternal behaviours in pregnancy associated with adverse pregnancy, birth and health outcomes include tobacco smoking, poor nutrition, alcohol consumption and low physical activity, collectively referred to as the SNAP risk factors. In this study published in 2020 seven electronic databases were searched for studies that examined the effect of interventions addressing multiple SNAP behaviours.
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Publishing Date:
September 2, 2020
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Childproofing Australia’s Future Health: Preventing alcohol harms
A letter published in 2020 on the profound effect alcohol has had on her paediatric practice.
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Publishing Date:
September 10, 2020
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Parent-reported sleep problems in school-aged children with FASD: association with child behaviour, caregiver, and family functioning
Sleep problems are a common clinically reported area of concern for children and adolescents with FASD (FASD). However, limited empirical research has been undertaken investigating sleep problems for children with FASD. The current study published in 2020 aimed to examine the associations between parent-reported sleep problems in children with FASD and child behaviour, caregiver mental health and health-related quality of life and family functioning.
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Publishing Date:
October 1, 2020
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
We do what we can
This study published in 2020 interviewed 26 staff from 18 organizations involved in referral and co-ordination, case management, or treatment and support services for women with (or at high risk of) PAE in the Greater Newcastle region in Australia.
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Publishing Date:
October 15, 2020
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Prenatal Alcohol and Tobacco Use
The objective of this study published in 2020 was to test the associations between maternal prenatal alcohol and tobacco exposures and depressive symptoms in the offspring, adjusting for a wide range of potential confounders.
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Publishing Date:
October 16, 2020
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Health Professionals are the Preferred Source of Information on Alcohol Use in Pregnancy for Australian Women: A National Survey
The study published in 2020 identified where Australian women obtained information about alcohol during pregnancy, their preferred sources of information, and their perceptions of the role of health professionals in providing information.
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Publishing Date:
November 4, 2020
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
An investigation of the link between prenatal alcohol exposure and sleep problems across childhood
Data from the birth cohort of the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children (LSAC) was used. Mothers of 3447 children provided information on alcohol consumption during pregnancy, children’s sleep problems from 2- to 9-years, and potential confounders associated with sleep problems. Children were classified into Prenatal Exposure (PAE) groups based on distinct patterns of maternal drinking during pregnancy: abstinent, occasional, low, moderate, and heavy. The effect of PAE on the number and persistence of sleep problems across childhood (2-9 years) was examined. The outcomes of this study were published in 2021.
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Publishing Date:
November 24, 2020
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Associations of PAE and offspring harmful alcohol use
We used data from the Raine Study, a multi-generational birth cohort study, to examine the association between prenatal alcohol exposure and the risk of harmful alcohol use in offspring at the age of 17 years. This study was published in 2020.
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Publishing Date:
December 1, 2020
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Australian Guidelines to Reduce Health Risks from Drinking Alcohol
The alcohol guideline 3: women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, makes direct reference to FASD. It recommends not drinking alcohol is the safest for women who are pregnant, planning a pregnancy or breastfeeding. The report was published by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC).
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Publishing Date:
December 3, 2020
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Decolonising Justice for Aboriginal youth with FASD
This book reflects multidisciplinary and cross-jurisdictional analysis of issues surrounding FASDs (FASD) and the criminal justice system, and the impact on Aboriginal children, young people, and their families
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Publishing Date:
December 9, 2020
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Community Priority Setting for FASD Research in Australia
Our primary objective of this work published in 2020 was to formally identify the views of people living with FASD, their parents/caregivers, service providers and the general public on the research priorities for FASD and alcohol use on pregnancy in Australia. Our secondary objective was to provide an overview of current research in the highest priority areas identified.
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Publishing Date:
December 10, 2020
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Yarning about FASD
Eighty-seven participants attended a workshop to support community-based professional development and co-design of a novel assessment approach. Qualitative data collection included video recording of the workshop, and small group discussions, for which a narrative analysis was utilised. Quantitative data collection included self-report questionnaires to understand current community practices and three key constructs: practitioner knowledge, attitudes, and intentions for future practice. The outcomes of this study were published in 2021.
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Publishing Date:
December 31, 2020
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Scoping review ATSI health promotion
Noncommunicable chronic disease underlies much of the life expectancy gap experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Modifying contributing risk factors; tobacco smoking, nutrition, alcohol consumption, physical activity, social and emotional wellbeing (SNAPS) could help close this disease gap. This scoping review published in 2021 identified and describes SNAPS health promotion programs implemented for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Australia.
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Publishing Date:
January 27, 2021
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Early Motor Function of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review
The objective of this study published in 2021 was to characterise early motor function in children later diagnosed with neurodevelopmental disorders relative to typically developing children or normative data.
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Publishing Date:
February 1, 2021
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Emergency department presentations by Children in Remote Australia: A Population-based Study
Aboriginal leaders invited us to examine the frequency and reasons for emergency department presentations by children in remote Western Australia, where Prenatal Alcohol Exposure is common. Published in 2021
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Publishing Date:
February 2, 2021
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025
Lifestyle and Psychological Factors of Women with Pregnancy Intentions Who Become Pregnant: Analysis of a Longitudinal Cohort of Australian Women
The aim of this study published in 2021 was to explore associations between lifestyle/psychological factors and long-term pregnancy intentions in women who go on to become pregnant. Data from the cohort born 1973-1978 from the Australian Longitudinal Study of Women’s Health were utilised. Women were included if they had a new pregnancy occurring between Waves 3 and 5, resulting in 2203 women for analysis.
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Publishing Date:
February 12, 2021
Research
Page last updated January 20, 2025