PhD conferral Ms Leana L.S. Olivier, MSc.

“Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders in South Africa - A 20-year journey – ”

Keywords: Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder(s); fetal alcohol syndrome; alcohol consumption; pregnancy; South Africa; prevention; Intervention Mapping

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) is an important worldwide health problem. FASD is a complex condition with multi-factoral causes, closely linked to historical, psycho-social, economic and a multitude of other determinants. In order to plan and implement effective awareness and prevention programmes, we need to understand the core drivers of the condition. For South Africa, the FASD journey has just begun.Therefore, my research focused on the prevalence of FASD in South Africa. In it, I identified  the needs of community members, studied already existing services and programs and planned evidence based health promoting programs as a part of the Healthy Mother Healthy Baby Programme©.