Project Title
An Application of the Transtheoretical Model for FASDs in the United States
Faculty Mentor(s) Name(s)
Dr. John Moore
Abstract
Background: Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) are conditions resulting from alcohol exposure during infant gestation. According to the CDC, 5% of pregnant women reported binge drinking and 14% of pregnant women reported current drinking, within the last 30 days. Roughly 2% - 5% of infants are born with FASD in the United States. When a pregnant woman drinks, the aftermath can lead to lifelong issues for their infant. FASD causes issues such as small head size, abnormal facial features, vision or hearing problems, poor memory, problems with vital organs, and intellectual disabilities. Purpose: To apply the Transtheoretical Model to address pregnant women’s alcohol use to prevent FASDs will allow researchers to apply the constructs of this model to promote changes in alcohol consumption among pregnant women. Methods: Data on fetal alcohol spectrum disorder was collected through Google Scholar and Galileo. Keywords used: “fetal alcohol syndrome”, “fetal alcohol spectrum disorders”, and “United States fetal alcohol spectrum disorders”. Results: The most recommended method of reducing fetal alcohol spectrum disorder is educating pregnant women on the risks of drinking. During the pre-contemplation stage, pregnant women are recommended by doctors to avoid or limit alcohol consumption. These doctors use consciousness raising to inform women. The action stage consists of reducing or ending alcohol consumption while pregnant. Stimulus control decreases the attraction to unhealthy behaviors during this stage. Implications: Overall the study can assist in preventing fetal alcohol spectrum disorders by educating pregnant women on the risks of alcohol consumption. Health educators should convey risks and work toward prevention. Prenatal visits should include pamphlets and research conveying the dangers of alcohol consumption. Visual aids of the symptoms and issues surrounding FASD should be administered. If the pregnant woman is already consuming alcohol, there needs to be a reduction in consumption and maintenance following education.
An Application of the Transtheoretical Model for FASDs in the United States
Background: Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) are conditions resulting from alcohol exposure during infant gestation. According to the CDC, 5% of pregnant women reported binge drinking and 14% of pregnant women reported current drinking, within the last 30 days. Roughly 2% - 5% of infants are born with FASD in the United States. When a pregnant woman drinks, the aftermath can lead to lifelong issues for their infant. FASD causes issues such as small head size, abnormal facial features, vision or hearing problems, poor memory, problems with vital organs, and intellectual disabilities. Purpose: To apply the Transtheoretical Model to address pregnant women’s alcohol use to prevent FASDs will allow researchers to apply the constructs of this model to promote changes in alcohol consumption among pregnant women. Methods: Data on fetal alcohol spectrum disorder was collected through Google Scholar and Galileo. Keywords used: “fetal alcohol syndrome”, “fetal alcohol spectrum disorders”, and “United States fetal alcohol spectrum disorders”. Results: The most recommended method of reducing fetal alcohol spectrum disorder is educating pregnant women on the risks of drinking. During the pre-contemplation stage, pregnant women are recommended by doctors to avoid or limit alcohol consumption. These doctors use consciousness raising to inform women. The action stage consists of reducing or ending alcohol consumption while pregnant. Stimulus control decreases the attraction to unhealthy behaviors during this stage. Implications: Overall the study can assist in preventing fetal alcohol spectrum disorders by educating pregnant women on the risks of alcohol consumption. Health educators should convey risks and work toward prevention. Prenatal visits should include pamphlets and research conveying the dangers of alcohol consumption. Visual aids of the symptoms and issues surrounding FASD should be administered. If the pregnant woman is already consuming alcohol, there needs to be a reduction in consumption and maintenance following education.