Prevalence Of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Research Articles

Prevalence and characteristics of adults with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder in corrections: a Canadian case ascertainment study

BackgroundIndividuals with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) experience a range of cognitive, affective, and physical deficits following prenatal alcohol exposure. They are thought to be overrepresented in criminal justice settings. However, limited evidence is available to inform prevalence. We sought to estimate the prevalence of FASD in a Northern Canadian correctional population.MethodsUsing an active case ascertainment approach we recruited a representative sample of 80 justice-involved adults (ages 18–40, 85% male) over an 18-month period from 2013 to 2015. Participants completed interdisciplinary clinical assessments comprising medical and psychological evaluations that adhered to the 2005 Canadian FASD Diagnostic Guidelines.ResultsWe identified a high rate of FASD (17.5, 95% CI [9.2, 25.8%]) in this sample, and this rate could have been as high as 31.2% with confirmation of prenatal alcohol exposure. Most participants in this study presented with significant neurodevelopmental and cognitive deficits in at least two domains of functioning, irrespective of diagnosis, with only five of 80 participants (6.3%) demonstrating no cognitive impairment.ConclusionsFindings showed disproportionately high estimated FASD prevalence in this representative sample compared to general population estimates in both Canada and the U.S. (2–5%), underscoring the need for improved FASD screening and diagnosis in correctional settings, and education for clinicians working in the justice context. Strengthened health prevention and intervention efforts to support the needs of individuals with FASD outside the criminal justice context are needed.

Challenges in Accurately Assessing Prenatal Alcohol Exposure in a Study of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder in a Youth Detention Center.

BackgroundPrenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) can result in permanent disability, including physical, neurodevelopmental, and cognitive impairments, known as fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD). Individuals with FASD are more likely to engage with the law, including being placed in detention, than individuals without FASD. Young people who were sentenced to detention participated in a FASD prevalence study in Western Australia. The diagnosis of FASD requires a multidisciplinary assessment and confirmation of maternal alcohol consumption during pregnancy. Obtaining accurate assessment of PAE for young people participating in the study was challenging.MethodsAn interview with the birth mother or other responsible adult for young people sentenced to detention in Western Australia was conducted as part of the FASD assessment. The Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test consumption subset (AUDIT‐C), other relevant questions, and documentary evidence were used to assess PAE. PAE was categorized according to the Australian Guide to the Diagnosis of FASD: no PAE reported, confirmed or confirmed high‐risk, or unknown.ResultsAmong the 101 participants, information on PAE was unable to be obtained for 13 (13%) young people. Of the remaining 88 participants with information of PAE, 41 reported no PAE and 47 had confirmed PAE.ConclusionsAccurately assessing prenatal alcohol consumption is challenging in any setting, but it is exceptionally challenging when assessed 13 to 17 years retrospectively as part of a FASD assessment for a young person sentenced to detention. Recording and recoding detailed qualitative responses was required to provide an accurate assessment of PAE using the AUDIT‐C. Standardized recording of PAE in antenatal and birth records would facilitate later assessments for FASD and provide opportunities for advice and support for women who continue to drink during pregnancy.

Screening prevalence of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders in a region of the United Kingdom: A population-based birth-cohort study

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs) are lifelong disabilities caused by prenatal alcohol exposure. Prenatal alcohol use is common in the UK, but FASD prevalence was unknown. Prevalence estimates are essential for informing FASD prevention, identification and support.We applied novel screening algorithms to existing data to estimate the screening prevalence of FASD. Data were from a population-based cohort study (ALSPAC), which recruited pregnant women with expected delivery dates between 1991 and 1992 from the Bristol area of the UK. We evaluated different missing data strategies by comparing results from complete case, single imputation (which assumed that missing data indicated no exposure and no impairment), and multiple imputation methods.6.0% of children screened positive for FASD in the analysis that used the single imputation method (total N = 13,495), 7.2% in complete case analysis (total N = 223) and 17.0% in the analysis with multiply imputed data (total N = 13,495). A positive FASD screen was more common among children of lower socioeconomic status and children from unplanned pregnancies. Our analyses showed that the complete case and single imputation methods that are commonly used in FASD prevalence studies are likely to underestimate FASD prevalence.Although not equivalent to a formal diagnosis, these screening prevalence estimates suggest that FASD is likely to be a significant public health concern in the UK. Given current patterns of alcohol consumption and recent changes in prenatal guidance, active case ascertainment studies are urgently needed to further clarify the current epidemiology of FASD in the general population of the UK.

Language diversity, language disorder, and fetal alcohol spectrum disorder among youth sentenced to detention in Western Australia

BackgroundWhile studies confirm high prevalence of language disorder among justice-involved young people, little is known about the impact of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) on language among this population. It is also not clear how language skills vary according to language diversity in Australian youth justice settings, where a disproportionate number of justice-involved youth are Aboriginal and may not speak Standard Australian English (SAE) as their first language. Language skills are important to understand, as language disorder and language difference can lead to a mismatch between the communication skills of a young person and the communication skills of the justice workforce with whom they are communicating. In the highly verbal environments that are common to justice systems, language disorder and language difference may result in a young person misunderstanding legal information and expectations placed on them and not being adequately understood by the justice workforce. MethodsThis study examined the language skills of 98 young people sentenced to detention in Western Australia (WA), who participated in a cross-sectional study examining the prevalence of FASD. Language skills assessed using standardised and non-standardised tasks were analysed by the three major language groups identified: speakers of SAE, Aboriginal English and English as an additional language. ResultsWe identified rich diversity of languages, and multilingualism was common. Most young people for whom English was not their first language demonstrated difficulties in SAE competence. Further, nearly one in two young people were identified with language disorder – over half of whom had language disorder associated with FASD. ConclusionsThis study has documented language diversity and the prevalence of language disorder associated with FASD among a representative sample of youth sentenced to detention in WA. Results underscore the need for the justice workforce to consider language difference when working with justice-involved youth, as well as language disorder and FASD. The findings also demonstrate the need for speech pathology to be embedded as core service in youth justice systems, working in collaboration with local cultural and language advisors and accredited interpreters. This can better enable appropriate identification of and response to communication and associated rehabilitation needs of young people navigating youth justice systems.

Comparing diagnostic outcomes of children with fetal alcohol syndrome in South Africa with diagnostic outcomes when using the updated Institute of Medicine diagnostic guidelines.

During fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) prevalence studies in South Africa, cases of fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) were identified that presented differently from the 2016 Hoyme et al. modified Institute of Medicine (IOM) criteria. We compared diagnostic outcomes of children diagnosed with FAS using a combination of the 2005 Hoyme et al. criteria and the "gestalt method" in South Africa to the diagnosis they would have received using the latest Hoyme et al. criteria. The frequency with which dysmorphic features presented was compared to the frequency with which they were reported in the revised criteria which drew on a larger sample. Data were gathered from four South African FASD prevalence studies. Dysmorphology data, anthropometric data, and final diagnosis for participants (N = 917) were extracted. Of the 390 participants with diagnoses of "full FAS," 175 would not have received a "full FAS" diagnosis using the 2016 criteria. Of these, 21 would have received a pFAS diagnosis, and 154 would have received a diagnosis of ARND or a "no-FASD" diagnosis. The frequency of all but five dysmorphic features differ significantly between this sample and the sample examined for the 2016 criteria. There is more variability in the features present in the current sample. Differences regarding diagnostic outcomes and prevalence of dysmorphic features suggest that strict application of the diagnostic criteria may miss children who present with FAS. We recommend including gestalt-based screening in a research setting where the clinical experience is available to inform future guidelines.

Malocclusion Can Give Additional Hints for Diagnosis of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder.

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is a developmental disorder caused by maternal alcohol intake (prevalence: 0.77%). Malocclusion has been described in case reports of patients with FASD, but reliable evidence for associations between FASD and malocclusion is not documented. Malocclusion is defined as tooth irregularity (prevalence: 14.6%) or incorrect relationship between the jaws such as lateral crossbites (prevalence: 3.1%). The purpose of this study was to investigate possible associations between malocclusion and FASD. FASD prevalence is high and diagnosis is very difficult; Malocclusions can give additional hints for FASD diagnosis; Patients with FASD show growth deficits concerning the maxilla; Early and consistent orthodontic supervision and therapy can prevent facial asymmetries in FASD patients. Thirty patients with FASD and 30 patients of a healthy control group were examined. Inclusion criteria were mixed dentition, verified FASD/absence of FASD (control group), exclusion criteria were orthodontic treatment and disorders other than FASD. The extent and type of malocclusion were quantified with the peer assessment rating (PAR) index based on an analysis of orthodontic plaster models. In addition, anthropometric data such as gestational age, body weight and height at birth as well as present body weight, height and head circumference at examination date were assessed. The PAR index showed a significant increase in malocclusions in FASD patients compared to the group that were not diagnosed with FASD (P = 0.002). FASD patients showed particular differences in the upper transversal dimension with a higher prevalence of crossbites (P = 0.018) and a lower head circumference (P < 0.001). Body weight (P < 0.001) and height (P < 0.001) were significantly lower for FASD patients at time of birth, but not at the present examination date (weight: P = 0.329; height: P = 0.496). When relating weight and height measures to age using percentile curves of physiological growth, clinically relevant discrepancies could be found for FASD patients. Our results show that malocclusion can provide additional evidence for FASD diagnosis. When FASD is diagnosed in a child, early referral to an orthodontist is advisable to stimulate maxillary growth and consequently prevent further malocclusions.

The past, present, and future of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder work in Newfoundland and Labrador: A landscape paper for change.

In this paper, we provide an overview of best practices in FASD prevention, diagnostic, and interventions and supports. In Canada, people diagnosed with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) represent a fraction people living with FASD. While social stigma may deter people from seeking an FASD diagnosis, other deterrents include the lack of screening and diagnostic referrals, cost of travelling to a clinic, and lack of clarity of how a diagnosis may improve supports and services. Preventing FASD and improving lifelong outcomes for people living with FASD requires a coordinated approach between prevention, diagnostic, intervention, and support efforts. Using the example of Newfoundland and Labrador, a province where 60% of the population lives in rural communities and benefits from being involved in national initiatives and partnerships, we discuss efforts underway in other Canadian provinces to address FASD. We make three recommendations that begin to address FASD-specific needs in both rural and urban regions: a) a provincial FASD consultant position, b) an explicit partnership between provincial government and fasdNL, and c) increased access to FASD diagnostic teams. While the recommendations are both modest and essential first steps, we also suggest that collaborations and resource-sharing in FASD prevention and supports are more about doing things differently, rather than doing more.

Attitudes toward alcohol use during pregnancy among women recruited from alcohol-serving venues in Cape Town, South Africa: A mixed-methods study

BackgroundThe Western Cape Province of South Africa has one of the highest rates of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) globally. Effective prevention of FASD requires understanding women's attitudes about alcohol use during pregnancy and whether these attitudes translate into behavior. ObjectiveThe goal of this mixed-methods study was to describe attitudes toward alcohol use during pregnancy and examine how these attitudes influence drinking behaviors during pregnancy. MethodOver a five month period, 200 women were recruited from alcohol-serving venues in a township in Cape Town; a sub-set of 23 also completed in-depth interviews. Potential gaps between attitudes and behavior were described, and logistic regression models examined predictors of harmful attitudes toward alcohol use during pregnancy. Interviews were reviewed and coded for emergent themes. ResultsMost women (n = 176) reported at least one pregnancy. Among these, the majority (83%) had positive preventive attitudes, but more than half of these still reported alcohol use during a previous pregnancy. The strongest predictors of harmful attitudes were a history of physical or sexual abuse and drinking during a previous pregnancy. Qualitative analysis revealed several themes that contributed to alcohol use during pregnancy: 1) having an unplanned pregnancy; 2) drinking because of stress or to cope with abuse/trauma; 3) reliance on the venue for support; 4) socialization; and 5) feelings of invincibility. ConclusionsThe findings highlight an attitude-behavior gap and suggest that positive preventive attitudes are insufficient to elicit FASD preventive behavior. Interventions are needed that go beyond education to build intrinsic motivation and structural support to refrain from alcohol use during pregnancy.

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder in Australia: What is the current state of affairs?

The term fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is used to describe a wide range of difficulties that individuals who are exposed to alcohol prenatally can face. FASD is a significant public health concern that is currently under-recognised and consequently, under-diagnosed in Australia. A new Commonwealth FASD Strategy (2018-2028) is being developed and the Australian Government has announced significant funding for the expansion of FASD prevention, diagnostic and intervention services around Australia. Therefore, it is timely to consider what the current state of affairs regarding FASD in Australia is and describe areas for future research and service delivery.

Elements for developing community-based interventions for adults with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder: A scoping review

Introduction Current literature about interventions for adults with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is limited, which is a concern, due to the high prevalence of FASD. FASD creates lifelong physical, mental, cognitive and behavioral deficits, which impacts many aspects of daily living. Community-based interventions are necessary to better support adults with FASD and provide them with the opportunity to achieve success in their daily lives and social participation. This scoping review aimed to identify elements for developing successful community-based interventions for these individuals. Method A search was conducted in the MEDLINE, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and EMBASE databases and supplementary gray literature was resourced. Articles were selected based on inclusion–exclusion criteria, and a thematic analysis was completed to identify and present relevant findings. Results Seven articles met selection criteria and were included in this review. Six emerging themes were identified: inclusion of a functional context, individualized support, education for service providers, structure and routine, utilizing a strengths-based approach, and environmental adaptations. These themes were used to present the findings related to the elements necessary for developing interventions for adults with FASD. Conclusion The results indicate that the identified elements may be necessary to develop successful interventions, especially community-based interventions, for adults with FASD.

An indigenous framework of the cycle of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder risk and prevention across the generations: historical trauma, harm and healing

ABSTRACT Objective: To build on Evans-Campbell's [2008. “Historical Trauma in American Indian/Native Alaska Communities: A Multilevel Framework for Exploring Impacts on Individuals, Families, and Communities.” Journal of Interpersonal Violence 23 (3): 316–338. doi:10.1177/0886260507312290.] multilevel framework of historical trauma and health by focusing on the cycle of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) in the socio-cultural, historical, and interpersonal context of trauma shared by American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) peoples. Methods: We analyzed qualitative data from focus groups with seventy four urban AI/ANs who were 15 years of age and older. Community-based participatory research methods were used for data collection and analysis. Our study explored knowledge and attitudes about FASD, perspectives on FASD risk factors, and culturally relevant approaches to FASD prevention and healthcare. Results: According to our study's participants, efforts to address FASD among urban AI/ANs should align with and emerge from community values, promote healing, consider the broader context that influences behaviors, and reflect the community's understanding that FASD risk behaviors are inextricably linked with historical and contemporary trauma. Conclusion: Effective, multiple-level FASD prevention approaches for AI/ANs may include prioritizing Indigenous culture, supporting intergenerational cohesion, focusing on non-stigmatic healing of traumas, and authentically engaging community knowledge. This work draws on community and cultural strengths in an effort to reduce the occurrence of substance-exposed pregnancies, and encourages transformational changes in systems that serve AI/AN peoples to promote a healthy and thriving community and future generations.

The Effect of Prenatal Alcohol Exposure on Fetal Growth and Cardiovascular Parameters in a Baboon Model of Pregnancy.

Prenatal alcohol exposure often results in an array of fetal developmental abnormalities termed fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs). Despite the high prevalence of FASDs, the pathophysiology of fetal damage by alcohol remains poorly understood. One of the major obstacles in studying fetal development in response to alcohol exposure is the inability to standardize the amount, pattern of alcohol consumption, and peak blood alcohol levels in pregnant mothers. In the present study, we used Doppler ultrasonography to assess fetal growth and cardiovascular parameters in response to alcohol exposure in pregnant baboons. Baboons were subjected to gastric alcohol infusion 3 times during the second trimester equivalent to human pregnancy, with maternal blood alcohol levels reaching 80 mg/dL within 30 to 60 minutes following alcohol infusion. The control group received a drink that was isocaloric to the alcohol-containing one. Doppler ultrasonography was used for longitudinal assessment of fetal biometric parameters and fetal cardiovascular indices. Fetal abdominal and head circumferences, but not femur length, were significantly decreased in alcohol-exposed fetuses near term. Peak systolic velocity of anterior and middle cerebral arteries decreased during episodes of alcohol intoxication, but there was no difference in Doppler indices between groups near term. Acute alcohol intoxication affected fetal cerebral blood flow independent of changes in the fetal cardiac output. Unlike fetal growth parameters, changes in vascular indices did not persist over gestation. In summary, alcohol effects on fetal growth and on fetal vascular function have different time courses.

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD): Knowledge, attitudes, experiences and practices of the Western Australian youth custodial workforce

BackgroundFetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is a condition caused by prenatal alcohol exposure and characterised by lifelong physical, behavioural and cognitive abnormalities. Primary disabilities, such as impairment in memory, attention, cognition, language, executive function, and adaptive function, can lead to young people with FASD becoming engaged with the justice system. Little is known about the extent of FASD in youth detention in Australia, or of the capacity custodial staff have to manage and support young people with FASD. In tandem with a study assessing the prevalence of FASD among youth in detention in Western Australia (WA), this study aims to establish the current knowledge, attitudes, experiences and practices regarding FASD and other neurodevelopmental impairments among youth custodial officers in order to develop training resources for this workforce. MethodsWe invited youth custodial officers in the only youth detention centre in WA to participate in an online or hardcopy survey. The survey was developed following extensive consultation with the workforce and investigated their knowledge, attitudes, experiences and practices relating to FASD and other neurodevelopmental impairments. This included experience working with young people with FASD and other impairments, and attitudes towards relevant training. Results112 youth custodial officers (51% of the youth custodial workforce) completed the survey. While many respondents had heard of FASD (77%) and understood it is relevant to the justice system (74%), limited in-depth FASD knowledge existed. Many respondents were unsure or unaware that FASD is permanent brain damage (53%) and cannot be outgrown (57%). Respondents were infrequently informed if a young person in detention had a diagnosis of FASD. Almost all custodial officers indicated motivation to complete training to further understand FASD (92%) and other neurodevelopmental impairments (94%), with particular interest in the application of management strategies appropriate for affected young people. ConclusionsA lack of specific knowledge, inadequate training to recognise and manage young people with neurodevelopmental impairments, and inconsistent information-sharing processes reduce the ability of the custodial workforce to care for young people with FASD and other neurodevelopmental impairments. These findings have supported the development and evaluation of training resources targeting the specific needs and requests of the WA youth custodial workforce, and this is now underway.

A modified Delphi study towards developing a guideline to inform policy on fetal alcohol spectrum disorders in South Africa: a study protocol

IntroductionMaternal alcohol consumption during pregnancy can result in mental and physical birth defects in individuals. These birth defects are usually described as fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs). With an estimated...

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders May Be More Common Than Previously Thought

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders May Be More Common Than Previously Thought

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder and youth justice: a prevalence study among young people sentenced to detention in Western Australia

ObjectivesTo estimate the prevalence of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) among young people in youth detention in Australia. Neurodevelopmental impairments due to FASD can predispose young people to engagement with...

ИЗУЧЕНИЕ УПОТРЕБЛЕНИЯ АЛКОГОЛЯ БЕРЕМЕННЫМИ И НЕБЕРЕМЕННЫМИ ЖЕНЩИНАМИ В РОССИИ

Background. Russia has one of the highest levels of alcohol consumption in the world and increasingly hazardous drinking inyoung women. Prenatal alcohol exposure is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes and Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) in children. Data on women's alcohol consumption and risk for alcohol-exposed pregnancies necessary for developing prevention of FASD in Russia are limited. Aims: to estimate the prevalence of alcohol use and hazardous drinking and risk for alcohol-exposed pregnancies in women of childbearing age. Materials and methods. Women were recruited at public women's clinics in two regions in Russia. Women of childbearing age (n = 648) completed a face-to-face structured interview which assessed alcohol consumption and contraception use. Results. Among non-pregnant women, 89 % reported consuming alcohol and 65 % reported binge drinking in the last three months; 70 % of women in Nizhny Novgorod Region and 44 % in Saint-Petersburg may become pregnant, including 12 % in Nizhny Novgorod Region and 9 % in Saint-Petersburg who were trying to conceive. These women consumed alcohol at similar rates and amounts as women who were not at-risk for pregnancy. Among currently non-pregnant women, 32 % in Saint-Petersburg and 54 % in Nizhny Novgorod Region reported not using contraception consistently and at-risk drinking; therefore, they were at risk for alcohol-exposed pregnancy. After pregnancy identification: 20 % reported continued drinking. Significant differences in drinking and risk for alcohol-exposed pregnancy between women in Saint-Petersburg and Nizhny Novgorod Region were identified. Conclusions. Although the majority of Russian women decrease alcohol consumption after pregnancy identification, high levels of drinking were reported around conceptions and prior to pregnancy identification.

The contributions of Dr. Kathleen K. Sulik to fetal alcohol spectrum disorders research and prevention.

Dr. Kathleen Sulik (Kathy) has spent 35 years studying fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) and fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD). Beginning with her landmark 1981 Science paper describing the early gestational window when alcohol can cause the craniofacial malformations characteristic of FAS, Kathy has contributed a vast amount of research furthering our knowledge of FASD. After her seminal work that definitively demonstrated that alcohol is the causative factor in FAS, she and her lab went on to explore and define the stage-dependent effects of early gestational alcohol exposure on the face and brain in numerous different ways throughout her career. She explored and discovered numerous mechanisms of alcohol's effects on the embryo, as well as describing several genetic factors that can modify susceptibility to developmental alcohol exposure. She did not restrict her research to the face and brain; her lab described in intricate detail the effects of developmental alcohol exposure on many different organs, including the heart, ears, kidneys, and limbs. In addition to her research, and in conjunction with NIAAA and the National Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (NOFAS), Kathy developed several FASD prevention curricula that are still in use today. Finally, as part of her drive to eradicate FAS and FASD, Kathy labored tirelessly with public policy makers to change how FASD is viewed by the public, how FASD is identified in affected individuals, and how FASD is studied by researchers. While no article could fully cover Kathy's contributions to FASD research and prevention, or her other contributions to embryology and teratology, this review will attempt to illustrate some of the highlights of Kathy's remarkable career.

Reframing Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder: Studying Culture to Identify Communication Challenges and Opportunities

Implicit cultural understandings challenge those working to increase public awareness and support for programs to prevent and address fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD). Understanding these cultural beliefs reveals key challenges that communicators face; it also helps identify opportunities to foster public engagement and build support for policies and programs that are important for reducing the prevalence of FASD as a public health issue. Through a series of interviews with members of the public in Manitoba, Canada, we identify the cultural models that members of the Manitoban public draw on to make sense of this issue. These models and their implications are used to create a set of recommendations that can improve understanding of the issue, increase issue salience, and generate support for solutions. While the research presented is specific to Manitoba, findings have significance for those working on FASD in other areas and for those working on other public health and science translation projects.

Promoting awareness of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder among health professionals and the public through nursing faculty champions

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) affects all communities and is an underestimated problem worldwide and in China. FASD is the most common preventable cause of intellectual disabilities and behavior problems. However, prevention efforts require knowledge about FASD, importantly, the education of health professionals who communicate that knowledge to the public during care administered in diverse practice settings. Implementing a nursing faculty champions (charismatic advocates for FASD prevention belief, practice, program, policy and/or technology) model to advocate for educating Chinese nurses, nursing students, other health professionals, and the public about FASD is a logical, quality-driven, healthcare action. The actions undertaken by one nurse champion, a Capital Medical University Chinese professor, to promote FASD awareness among Chinese health professionals and the public population will be presented. Through this faculty nurse champion, thousands of Chinese health providers and public citizens were educated regarding FASD. Planned next steps include enrolling more Chinese nursing faculty champions, developing nursing curricula at Capital Medical University, and increasing research attention on FASD. Nurse faculty champions are an effective and practical method to promote FASD awareness among Chinese health professionals and the public.