Exploring the contributions and suitability of relational and community‐centered fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) prevention work in First Nation communities

Abstract

Background: This study provides initial evidence of the contributions and suitability of relational, trauma-informed, and community-based approaches for programs aimed at the prevention of future alcohol-and drug-exposed births. Specifically, this study extends understanding of the experiences of mentors providing evidencebased 3-year home visitation services through the Parent-Child Assistance Program (PCAP) in rural and isolated First Nation communities in Alberta, Canada. Methods: Using a participatory approach to this research project, we explored existing PCAP services to capture implementation across six rural and isolated Alberta fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) networks involving First Nation communities over an 8-month period. In total, we generated qualitative data with 35 participants to examine mentors' perceptions of the impacts and suitability of a relational, trauma-informed, and community-based approach to service delivery. Results: Six major themes were revealed from the thematic analysis as key mechanisms of culturally responsive program delivery across the six FASD networks. Conclusions: Relational, trauma-informed, and community-centered FASD prevention programming was perceived to have positive impacts and be well suited for use within Indigenous communities, and allow for service delivery to be locally and culturally responsive. K E Y W O R D Sfetal alcohol spectrum disorder, indigenous, prevention, rural and isolated communities

Responding to the Unique Complexities of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder

“…In fact, there are no recent or rigorous prevalence studies to support this misconception ( Flannigan et al, 2018 ). Although cultural factors are relevant to FASD insofar as they can help to guide prevention, diagnosis, and intervention efforts ( Samaroden, 2018 ; Pei et al, 2019 ; Gibson et al, 2020 ; Hamilton et al, 2020 ; Gonzales et al, 2021 ), cultural stigma can cause substantial harm. By disproportionately focusing on FASD in Indigenous communities, not only are negative stereotypes perpetuated, but individuals with other NDDs may be misdiagnosed or overlooked, which can impact resource allocation and lead to a lack of appropriate supports ( Di Pietro and Illes, 2014 , 2016 ).…”

Neuropsychologie Des Troubles Du Spectre De L’alcoolisation Foetale

“…Selon Manriquez et ses collaborateurs (2019), il convient donc d'informer toute femme enceinte, ou désirant le devenir, sur les dangers d'une consommation, même modérée, d'alcool. Différents programmes de prévention mis en place au Canada (Pei et al, 2019) ou encore en Australie (NIDAC, 2012) montrent des résultats prometteurs. A titre d'exemple, Pei et ses collaborateurs (2019) ont évalué les effets des programmes d'aide aux parents et aux enfants instaurés dans la province de l'Alberta au Canada.…”

Collaborative Action on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Prevention: Principles for Enacting the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Call to Action #33

“…Such approaches have been echoed by researchers who collaboratively evaluated the implementation of the PCAP in First Nations communities in Alberta [44,45]. One researcher involved in the evaluation shared:…”