Module 5: FASD Prevention
Prevention Domains
Preventive interventions are designed to minimize risk factors and maximize
protective factors. Risk factors increase the chances of engaging in harmful
behaviors. Protective factors decrease the chances of engaging in harmful
behaviors. Risk and protective factors exist in a variety of domains in a
person's life:
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Individual: biologic and psychological dispositions, attitudes,
values, knowledge, skills, problem behaviors
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Peers: norms, activities, bonding
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Family: function, management, bonding
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School/work: bonding, climate, policy, performance
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Community: bonding, norms, resources, awareness/mobilization
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Society: norms, policy/sanctions, environment
The following table provides examples of risk and protective factors for FASD in the various domains related to alcohol use during pregnancy.
Risk and Protective Factors in Various Domains
| Domain | Risk Factors | Protective Factors |
| Individual |
Low self-esteem, unemployment, tobacco use, frequent binge drinking |
Prenatal care, meaningful employment, education |
| Peers |
Friends who drink while pregnant |
Supportive peers who share messages about the harm of drinking while pregnant |
| Family |
Heavy drinking by parents and siblings |
Supportive partners and relatives who share messages about the harm of drinking while pregnant |
| School/work |
Drinking behavior of coworkers |
Alcohol-free social gatherings |
| Community |
Tolerance toward heavy drinking |
Education of health care and social service providers and law enforcement officers |
| Society |
Alcohol culture |
Norms against drinking while pregnant |
Sources: Stratton, K.; Howe, C.; and Battaglia, F., eds. 1996. Fetal Alcohol Syndrome:
Diagnosis, Epidemiology, Prevention, and Treatment. Washington, DC: National Academy Press;
Wilsnack, S.C., and Beckman, L.J. 1984. Alcohol Problems in Women: Antecedents, Consequences,
and Intervention. New York: Guilford Press;
Wilsnack, S.C.; Klassen, A.D.; Schur, B.E.; et al. 1991.
Predicting onset and chronicity of women's problem drinking: A five-year longitudinal analysis.
American Journal of Public Health 81:305-318.
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