Theo Nash
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) is a birth defect caused by alcohol consumption during pregnancy. While alcohol use during pregnancy is prevalent in many countries, the rate of FAS varies. A systematic review and meta-analysis estimated the global prevalence of FAS to be 14.6 per 10,000 people, with about 119,000 children born with FAS worldwide every year. According to studies, Italy is among the countries with the highest prevalence of FAS per 10,000 people, with rates as high as 4 to 12 per 1000 people in certain communities near Rome. Other countries with high FAS prevalence include South Africa, Croatia, Ireland, and Belarus. The prevalence of FAS in adopted children from Eastern European countries like Russia and Ukraine is also notable, with 50% of evaluated children meeting the diagnostic criteria for FASD, which includes FAS and other related disorders.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Country with the highest rate of fetal alcohol syndrome | South Africa |
| Prevalence of fetal alcohol syndrome in South Africa | 58.5 per 1000 |
| Countries with the highest alcohol use during pregnancy | Russia, United Kingdom, Denmark, Belarus, Ireland |
| Countries with the highest prevalence of fetal alcohol syndrome | South Africa, Croatia, Ireland, Italy, Belarus |
| Global prevalence of fetal alcohol syndrome | 14.6 per 10,000 people |
| Number of children born with fetal alcohol syndrome worldwide each year | 119,000 |
| Prevalence of fetal alcohol syndrome in the United States | 0.3 to 9 out of 1,000 children |
| Prevalence of fetal alcohol syndrome in Italy | 4 to 12 per 1,000 people |
| Prevalence of fetal alcohol syndrome in Russia and Ukraine | 20.4% of adopted children from Russia and Ukraine met fetal alcohol syndrome diagnostic criteria |
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What You'll Learn
Italy: 8-12 per 1000 people in some areas
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) is a birth defect caused by alcohol consumption during pregnancy. While Italy has the lowest annual alcohol consumption per capita in Europe, it is among the five countries with the highest prevalence of FAS per 10,000 people.
In 2011, a study of 976 children aged 6-10 from rural central Italy estimated the rate of FAS in that cohort to be between 4 and 12 per 1000 people. However, these rates are not considered representative of the Italian population as a whole, as the study group was small and specific to a rural area of wine producers.
FAS rates are higher in communities near Rome, Italy, than previously estimated. The overall prevalence of newborns prenatally exposed to maternal alcohol in Italy was 7.9%, within the 20-30% of pregnant women who self-reported drinking during pregnancy. Fetal exposure varied between 0% and 10% across the Italian peninsula, with an isolated maximum of 29.4% in Rome.
In a meta-analysis of 24 unique studies and 1416 unique children and youth with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, approximately 8 out of 1000 in the general population had fetal alcohol spectrum disorder. This prevalence was found to be notably higher among special populations.
According to a 2017 study, Italy has the lowest annual alcohol consumption per capita in Europe, the lowest percentage of women with alcohol use disorders (0.8%), and the lowest rate of alcohol abuse dependence (0.4%). It also has the highest number of female lifetime abstainers (37.5%) among all European countries, excluding those with a prevalent Muslim faith. However, only a few dated studies have investigated alcohol consumption during pregnancy in Italy.
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South Africa: 58.5 per 1000
Alcohol consumption during pregnancy is the direct cause of fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS). FAS is a relatively prevalent alcohol-related birth defect. According to a 2019 document review, South Africa has the highest prevalence of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) globally. The review analysed 33 policy documents from South Africa, of which 12 mentioned 'fetal alcohol syndrome' and 'fetal alcohol spectrum disorder'. The review found that the South African government's response to the high FASD prevalence at the policy level was unclear.
A 2017 study estimated the global prevalence of alcohol use during pregnancy to be 9.8%. The study also estimated that one in every 67 women who consumed alcohol during pregnancy would deliver a child with FAS, translating to about 119,000 children born with FAS worldwide every year. The study did not provide a country-specific estimate for South Africa.
A 2018 study on the prevalence of FASD in four US communities found that fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs) are a group of preventable conditions that can occur in a person exposed to alcohol before birth. The study did not include data from South Africa.
While the overall proportion of drinkers in South Africa is low, overall consumption rates are high due to episodic heavy drinking. Drinking prevalence is highest among high-income populations, but low-income earners consume more alcohol and spend a larger proportion of their income on it. South Africa's history of racial oppression has also played a role in its drinking culture.
A 2021 study proposed a systematic review and meta-analysis to report a pooled estimate of the FASD prevalence among children, youth, and adults in South Africa. The study aimed to include quantitative studies that reported on the prevalence of FASD in the country. The review found that no study had systematically evaluated the available prevalence studies to provide estimates for effective planning and delivery of prevention and management services.
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Croatia: 11.5 per 1000
Croatia has a notably high rate of fetal alcohol syndrome, with a reported incidence of 11.5 per 1000 individuals. This issue is of significant concern and has attracted the attention of medical professionals and policymakers alike. This rate is much higher than that of many other countries and indicates a pressing public health challenge.
Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) is a condition that arises from prenatal exposure to alcohol and can result in a range of physical, cognitive, and behavioral impairments in affected individuals. The syndrome is characterized by a distinct pattern of facial abnormalities, growth deficiencies, and central nervous system dysfunction. The severity of FAS can vary, but the impacts on the individual and their families can be profound and lifelong.
In Croatia, the high rate of FAS is likely influenced by a combination of cultural, social, and economic factors. There may be a lack of awareness or understanding about the risks associated with alcohol consumption during pregnancy, leading to a higher prevalence of prenatal alcohol exposure. Additionally, social norms and cultural traditions that promote alcohol consumption in social settings could contribute to the issue.
Addressing the high rate of FAS in Croatia requires a multifaceted approach. Educational campaigns and public health initiatives are crucial to raising awareness about the risks of prenatal alcohol exposure and promoting healthier alternatives. Healthcare providers play a vital role in early intervention and prevention by screening for alcohol use during prenatal care and offering appropriate counseling and support.
Furthermore, social and economic support services can help reduce the impact of FAS and improve the quality of life for affected individuals and their families. Early intervention programs, therapeutic interventions, and specialized educational services can mitigate some of the developmental and behavioral challenges associated with FAS. Investing in research to better understand the specific risk factors and causes of FAS in Croatia can also inform the development of more targeted and effective prevention strategies.
The high rate of fetal alcohol syndrome in Croatia underscores the critical need for comprehensive action. By addressing this issue through education, prevention, and support services, Croatia can make significant strides in reducing the prevalence of FAS and improving health outcomes for vulnerable children and their families. A collaborative effort involving healthcare providers, educators, policymakers, and community organizations is essential to tackling this complex and pressing public health challenge.
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Ireland: 8.9 per 1000
Alcohol consumption during pregnancy can have a range of adverse effects on the fetus, including congenital anomalies and behavioural, cognitive, and adaptive deficits, collectively referred to as fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD). The most severe form of FASD is Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS), which is characterised by growth retardation, facial malformations, and central nervous system impairment.
According to a systematic review, Ireland has one of the highest rates of FAS, with an estimated prevalence of 8.9 per 1000 people. This places Ireland fourth in the world for FAS prevalence, behind South Africa (58.5 per 1000), Croatia (11.5 per 1000), and Italy (8.0 per 1000). The global prevalence of FAS is estimated to be 14.6 per 10,000 people, or approximately 119,000 children born with FAS annually.
Ireland also has one of the highest rates of alcohol consumption during pregnancy, with an estimated 60.4% of pregnant women drinking. This is significantly higher than the global average of approximately 10%. The high rate of alcohol use during pregnancy in Ireland likely contributes to the country's elevated FAS prevalence.
To address this issue, effective prevention strategies and public health initiatives are necessary. These may include educational programs to raise awareness about the risks of alcohol consumption during pregnancy and the development of FAS surveillance systems. Additionally, clinical guidelines recommending abstinence from alcohol during pregnancy can help reduce the prevalence of FAS. By implementing such measures, Ireland can work towards decreasing the incidence of FAS and improving maternal and child health outcomes.
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Belarus: 6.9 per 1000
Alcohol consumption during pregnancy can lead to fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) in children, which include fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS). FAS is characterised by growth retardation, facial malformations, and central nervous system impairment. It is estimated that nearly 10% of women drink alcohol during pregnancy, with country-specific rates varying widely.
According to a systematic review by Popova et al., Belarus has one of the highest rates of alcohol consumption during pregnancy, with an estimated prevalence of 46.6%. This has resulted in a high rate of FAS in the country, with an estimated prevalence of 6.9 per 1000 people. This rate is significantly higher than the global prevalence of FAS, which is estimated to be around 14.6 per 10,000 people or nearly 119,000 children born with FAS annually.
The high rate of alcohol consumption during pregnancy in Belarus may be due to a variety of factors, including cultural norms, lack of education on the risks of alcohol use during pregnancy, and inadequate public health initiatives. The consequences of FAS can be severe, leading to physical and developmental disabilities in children.
To address the high rate of FAS in Belarus, comprehensive public health strategies are required. These strategies should focus on educating women about the risks of alcohol consumption during pregnancy and promoting alcohol abstinence. Surveillance systems for FAS and support services for affected individuals and their families should also be implemented.
Additionally, it is important to address the underlying factors that contribute to high alcohol consumption during pregnancy in Belarus. This may include developing cultural sensitivity in public health messaging and ensuring that women have access to necessary resources and support to maintain their health and well-being during pregnancy. By addressing these issues, Belarus can work towards reducing the prevalence of FAS and improving the health and well-being of its citizens.
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Frequently asked questions
South Africa has the highest rate of fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) at 58.5 per 1000 people.
The countries with the highest prevalence of FAS are South Africa, Croatia, Ireland, Italy, and Belarus.
Worldwide, an estimated 119,000 children are born with fetal alcohol syndrome annually.
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) can cause a range of adverse health effects, including cognitive, behavioral, emotional, and adaptive functioning deficits, as well as congenital anomalies.
The countries with the highest rates of alcohol consumption during pregnancy are Ireland (60.4%), Belarus (46.6%), Denmark (45.8%), the UK (41.3%), and Russia (36.5%).
