New program focuses on perils of
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
An innovative new program designed to teach women how to make healthier
personal choices that might help them to avoid unwanted pregnancies, alcohol-related
health problems and the risks of driving under the influence of alcohol, will
be launched this month at the University of Colorado Denver.The program, Personal Decisions, which began on Jan. 31, is described as a “self-guided kit” for changing risky alcohol-related choices among women in their childbearing years.
The program is the brainchild of a team of health care professionals who work one-on-one with women through the university’s Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Prevention Outreach Project and Colorado Statewide Area Health Education Centers. It is based on previous research by Linda Sobell, PhD, of NOVA Southeastern University, whose work has focused on guided, self change to reduce alcohol consumption.
“ We spent months compiling data, interviewing women and brainstorming before coming up with a program we think will prevent alcohol-exposed birth defects and improve the long-term health prospects of women and their children,” said Pamela Gillen, ND, RN, assistant professor of nursing research and a principal developer of Personal Decisions.
“ Sadly, we have seen the devastating effects that alcohol can have on the health and well-being of women and their babies. It is with great hope and determination that we offer this labor of love to women and their families.”
Organizers said the voluntary program is designed to educate women about the health risks of drinking alcohol while pregnant, and the permanent effects alcohol can have on the developing fetus. The program is also for women who are not pregnant, but are drinking and engaging in unprotected sexual intercourse.
“ Personal Decisions will enable women to examine their current drinking and contraceptive methods and assess any risks for health problems and alcohol-exposed pregnancies,” said Carmella Rodriguez, the program’s technical director, who is developing a multimedia campaign, including outreach efforts through the Web, videos, brochures, posters and public service announcements.
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) encompass a range of effects that can occur when a woman consumes alcohol during pregnancy. According to the nonprofit National Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, alcohol use during pregnancy is one of the leading known preventable causes of mental retardation and birth defects.
In addition, women who consume alcohol while pregnant are at risk of having preterm deliveries, miscarriages, and low birth weight babies. Children born with FASD can experience a lifetime of learning, physical and behavioral disabilities.
The Personal Decisions self-guided kit contains personalized feedback from health care professionals who assess the risk of experiencing unintended and alcohol-exposed pregnancies. The kit also offers women step-by-step motivational tools that will improve their personal health decisions.
The program’s resources include in-depth information about alcohol use and abuse, the dos and donts of contraceptive use and detailed information on fetal alcohol spectrum disorders. Women who participate may also learn about clinics where they can receive no-cost or low-cost health care.
Women and families who need information on the FASD program or referrals should call Personal Decisions at 1-888-724-FASD. For more information, visit the program Web site at http://www.uchsc.edu/ahec/fas. The project is funded in part by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Colorado Department of Health and Human Services, Alcohol and Drug Abuse Division.
