Chapter 15 – A Model for Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) Prevention in Native American Population

1. Chapter 15 – A Model for Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) Prevention in Native American Population

2. Alcohol exposure occurs in 20 percent of pregnancies annually in the U.S. FAS is the direct result of alcohol use during pregnancy – especially during the first and second trimester • FAS babies physically look different • They also exhibit behavioral abnormalities • Many of these abnormalities are considered permanent • Today FAS is the leading cause of mental retardation • FAS highest among Natives • On some reservations 50% of population use alcohol

3. Native American teens there is widespread and heavy use of alcohol, with less gender differences See page 285 Objectives of the FAS Prevention Program • See pages 285-286 • Program targeted Native American Adolescents – Sixth thought Eighth graders Phase I: Professional Needs Assessment Method • Choosing professionals Instruments and Procedure • The professional needs assessment survey instrument was developed by a team of prevention professional, health educators, and researchers, several of whom were sub abuse prevention specialists who worked with Native teens • See pages 287-288

4. Results • See pages 288-293 • See tables 15.1, 15.2 Phase II: Development of FAS Prevention Program • See pages 290-293 Phase III: Evaluation An evaluation instrument was developed by the research team to measure student’s reported knowledge change in FAS prevention, including risk decision – making on health, and responsibilities for prevention