Social and Economic Effect of Comprehensive Prevention of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders in Children: A Review

Abstract

Introduction: Maternal alcohol consumption during pregnancy and its effects on the developing fetus are a serious global healthcare issue. The damage caused by alcohol goes far beyond mother’s health and spreads to the child’s physical and mental health. Aim of Review: Analysis of existing approaches in organizing the necessary rehabilitation programs and preventing the consequences of drinking alcohol during pregnancy, assessing the potential socio-economic effect of organizing comprehensive prevention of fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) and fetal-alcohol spectrum of disorders (FASD). Materials and Methods: Children with FAS and influence of consequences of FAS/FASD on the nation’s material well-being conducted in Russia and abroad were analyzed by studying various published literature. Necessary rehabilitation measures for children with FAS/FASD were identified; analyzed international studies on the economic implications of the FAS/FASD; economic costs for medical and correctional services for children with FAS/FASD in Russia were assessed. Results: This review found that the Not all children with FAS/FASD are mentally retarded, they have behavioral disorders and the development of the emotional-volitional sphere is significantly behind the age norms. So, at 10-12 years of age, these children are still not contractual and cannot remain without adult supervision even for several hours. They require ongoing parental or tutor support. The range of disorders in fetal alcohol syndrome is very diverse, therefore, each child requires an individual approach in the formation of a rehabilitation program, which significantly increases costs in general and requires the involvement of highly qualified specialists. Conclusion: There is a need for additional economic calculations to scale up a comprehensive prevention program throughout the country. It is also important to note that the implementation of preventive measures does not eliminate the need for organizing assistance programs for families raising children with FAS/FASD.