Indigenous experiences of foetal alcohol disorder are under-researched globally

Embargoed until: Publicly released: 2022-05-20 00:01

New Zealand; International

Research into support for Indigenous people with Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is lacking, says a New Zealand team including Māori researchers. They reviewed studies on FASD among Indigenous communities internationally, finding that current research is centred on preventing alcohol-exposed pregnancies. Just one study was from Aotearoa, exploring barriers underlying poor adaptive functioning of tamariki with FASD within their cultural context, and was notable for its collaboration between Indigenous participants and researchers. The authors say while there are similarities across Indigenous communities, research findings may not always apply to all - and Māori have unique strengths and challenges in responding to a FASD diagnosis in the whānau.

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From:

Journal/
conference: New Zealand Medical Journal

Organisation/s: University of Auckland, Middlemore Hospital, Auckland City Hospital, Hāpai te Hauora, Hawke's Bay District Health Board

Funder: This literature review fulfils part of the requirements of the Health Research Council Ngā Kanohi Kitea funding grant 19/880: Strickett – Exploring the lived experience of Māori with a Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) diagnosis.

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