Research

Burden of fetal alcohol syndrome in a rural West Coast area of South Africa

L Olivier, M Urban, M Chersich, M Temmerman, D Viljoen

Abstract


Background. Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) is common in parts of South Africa; rural residence is a frequently cited risk factor. We conducted a FAS school prevalence survey of an isolated rural community in a West Coast village of Western Cape Province, so obtaining the first directly measured rate, focusing specifically on a South African rural area, of FAS and partial FAS (PFAS). 

Methods. The study area (Aurora village), a community of about 2 500 people in a grain-producing region, has one primary school. All learners were eligible for study inclusion. Initial anthropometry screening was followed by a diagnostic stage entailing examination by a dysmorphologist for features of FAS, neurodevelopmental assessment, and an interview assessing maternal alcohol consumption. 

Results. Of 160 learners screened, 78 (49%) were screen-positive, of whom 63 (81%) were clinically assessed for FAS. The overall FAS/PFAS rate among the screened learners was 17.5% (95% confidence interval 12.0 - 24.2%), with 16 (10.0%) children having FAS and 12 (7.5%) PFAS. High rates of stunting, underweight and microcephaly were noted in all learners, especially those with FAS or PFAS. Five (18%) mothers of affected children were deceased by the time of assessment. 

Conclusion. We describe very high rates of FAS/PFAS in an isolated rural part of the Western Cape that is not located in a viticultural region. Our study suggests that the prevalence of FAS may be very high in isolated communities, or in particular hot-spots. It adds to the growing evidence that FAS/PFAS is a significant, and underestimated, health problem in South Africa. Expanded screening and surveillance programmes, and preventive interventions, are urgently needed.


Authors' affiliations

L Olivier, Foundation for Alcohol-Related Research (FARR), Cape Town, South Africa

M Urban, Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Tygerberg Hospital and Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, South Africa

M Chersich, Centre for Health Policy, School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; International Centre for Reproductive Health, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Ghent, Belgium

M Temmerman, International Centre for Reproductive Health, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Ghent, Belgium

D Viljoen, Foundation for Alcohol-Related Research (FARR), Cape Town, South Africa; Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Tygerberg Hospital and Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, South Africa

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Keywords

fetal alcohol spectrum disorders; South Africa; prevalence; pregnancy; alcohol

Cite this article

South African Medical Journal 2013;103(6):402-405. DOI:10.7196/SAMJ.6249

Article History

Date submitted: 2012-08-23
Date published: 2013-03-18

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