A pilot study conducted at the University of Gothenburg has revealed concerning findings regarding the prevalence of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) in Sweden. Among 206 fourth-grade students from six schools in western Sweden, 19 children met the criteria for FASD, indicating a potentially widespread issue of birth defects caused by alcohol consumption during pregnancy. The study’s results suggest that the prevalence of FASD in Sweden may be comparable to that in several other European countries.
The study was designed as an add-on to the regular health check-up for fourth-grade students. Participants underwent comprehensive assessments, including a physical examination, psychological tests evaluating memory, attention, and problem-solving skills, and reviews of medical records. Additionally, teachers and parents provided insights into the children’s behavior and academic performance, while mothers were interviewed about their alcohol consumption during pregnancy and dietary habits.
Study Findings:
Out of the 206 students examined, 19 met the criteria for FASD.
Among these, 10 children were diagnosed with alcohol-related neurobehavioral disorder (ARND), 4 had partial fetal alcohol syndrome (pFAS), and 5 exhibited fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS), the most severe form of the disorder.
The overall prevalence of FASD in the study group was 5.5%, with 2.4% of children diagnosed with FAS.
Need for Larger Study:
The study’s author, Valdemar Landgren, a researcher at the Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, emphasized that the research is limited in scope and calls for a larger, national study to better understand the prevalence of FASD in Sweden. He stated:
“If the results are replicated, it would indicate that Sweden is on a par with many other European countries.”
FASD conditions, which vary from mild to severe, can affect a child’s learning, memory, concentration, impulse control, and motor skills. Some children also exhibit distinctive facial features and experience low birth weight.
Low Diagnosis Rates:
In Sweden, FASD conditions are rarely diagnosed. According to national data, only about 60 children are diagnosed with FASD each year. This may be due to a lack of awareness among healthcare professionals, who might not be assessing for the condition or believe it to be exceedingly rare. This highlights the need for increased education and awareness among medical professionals to improve diagnosis and prevent these disorders.
International Context:
The prevalence of FASD in Sweden, as revealed by this study, aligns closely with data from other European countries:
- Ireland: 4.8%
- Italy: 4.5%
- Croatia: 5.3%
In conclusion, this Swedish study underscores the importance of raising awareness about FASD and stresses the need for further research to better understand the true scale of the issue and how to prevent it.
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