Research suggests that caring for a child with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) creates unique challenges for carers. To investigate this, three focus groups and education sessions, attended by 66 people, were held in the UK. Knowledge about FASD and its impact on families was evaluated using the focus groups, the Parental Stress Index and knowledge questionnaire. Eight broad themes were identified from thematic analysis of the focus groups. The findings suggest more support is needed for carers of children with FASD, especially as carers grow older. The implication for current practice should be further evaluated in this group.

While information from other countries suggests varying degrees of knowledge about foetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD), understanding of the condition among UK health professionals is unclear. This mixed methodology study aims to ascertain the UK picture. It comprised a standardised FASD questionnaire completed by 505 professionals and focus groups using semi-structured interviews. Among those professionals who attended focus groups, five broad themes were identified: lack of knowledge: need for consistent guidance; stigma: need for early intervention; and need for support services. The study highlights a need for training and improved recognition by professionals. Reluctance to diagnose could be due to associated stigma and therefore not merely reflect lack of knowledge. As an avoidable disorder the importance of prevention, as well as early identification of FASD to avert secondary disabilities such as mental health issues, highlights the need for specialist diagnostic and support services.

Currently there appears to be a superficial level of knowledge about FASD in the UK general public. More detailed work in subgroups, such as young women, to identify their specific needs may be necessary before targeted public health and educational interventions can be developed to meet the needs of the general public.

Aims: Research has shown varying results regarding safe consumption levels of alcohol during pregnancy. We argued in 2005 that an individual's inability to accurately predict her alcohol consumption may be one factor influencing risk. In order to reevaluate within the England, this study sought to assess the current knowledge of the public and of healthcare practitioners.Design: Both alcohol-knowledge questionnaires and pouring tasks were conducted using standardised ethical-committeeapproved methods.Settings: Different sites across England, including Surrey, London, Oxford and Wigan, where FASD support groups are based.Participants: Health professionals and the general public, self-selecting in response to advertisement. Measurements:Frequency data and categorical data was collected and analysed using SPSS version 18. Findings:In total, 1,265 questionnaires were completed (688 public and 577 professionals). One hundred-forty people completed the pouring task. People's ability to calculate accurately from strength and volume was within 20% of the accurate figure for units, although with a wide range. Conclusions:These findings support the hypothesis that when pouring their own drinks, individuals are poor at estimating each drink's alcohol content. This has implications for public health strategies. Glass size and the level of alcohol concentration have different implications in different countries. For those drinking during pregnancy, however, the message that "no exposure is no risk" remains true.

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