Policymakers’ Perspectives Towards Developing a Guideline to Inform Policy on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder

A Qualitative Study

Bibliographic Data

ID15506829
AuthorsBabatope O Adebiyi (0000-0001-8798-1961, Western Cape Department of Health, corresponding author), Ferdinand C Mukumbang (0000-0003-1441-2172, Western Cape Department of Health), Lizahn Cloete (0000-0001-6791-098X, Stellenbosch University), Lizahn G Cloete (Stellenbosch University), Anna-Marie Beytell (0000-0002-8496-2121, University of the Western Cape)
Year2019
Volume16
Issue6
Pages945-945
Publication date2019-03-15
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1661-7827 • E-ISSN: 1660-4601
PublisherMultidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (PUBLISHER • CH)
DOI10.3390/ijerph16060945
PMID30884766
OpenAlexW2921126801
LanguageEN
Citations received4
References cited42

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) has a high prevalence in South Africa, especially among the poor socioeconomic communities. However, there is no specific policy to address FASD. Using a qualitative study design, we explored the perspectives of policymakers on guidelines/policies for FASD, current practices and interventions, and what practices and interventions could be included in a policy for FASD. The data analysis was done using the Framework Method. Applying a working analytical framework to the data, we found that there is no specific policy for FASD in South Africa, however, clauses of FASD policy exist in other policy documents. Preventive services for women and screening, identification, assessment, and support for children are some of the current practices. Nevertheless, a multi-sectoral collaboration and streamlined program for the prevention and management of FASD are aspects that should be included in the policy. While there are generic clauses in existing relevant policy documents, which could be attributed to the prevention and management of FASD, these clauses have not been effective in preventing and managing the disorder. Therefore, a specific policy to foster a holistic and coordinated approach to prevent and manage FASD needs to be developed

Business · Economics · Environmental health · Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder · Guideline · Identification (biology · Policy analysis · Political science · Pregnancy · Psychological intervention · Public economics · Public relations · Qualitative research · Social science · Socioeconomic status · Sociology · Gestational Diabetes Research and Management · Homelessness and Social Issues · Medicine · Nursing · Prenatal Substance Exposure Effects · Psychology · Public Administration