title: Training nurses and nursing students about prevention, diagnoses, and treatment of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders.
abstract: Alcohol consumption during pregnancy can result in birth defects known as fetal alcohol spectrum disorders. This study examined whether 1-h training sessions on alcohol screening, brief intervention, diagnoses, and treatment of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders could increase practical knowledge and confidence in nurses and student nurses. Data were collected from 420 nurses (n = 95) and student nurses (n = 325) in the southeastern United States, from 2009 to 2011. Pre- and post-test data were analyzed using chi-square tests and t-tests. The post-training response rate was 84%. Nurses were more likely to know what constitutes binge drinking, facial abnormalities associated with fetal alcohol syndrome, and criteria for diagnosis. Nurses were also more confident in educating about effects of prenatal alcohol use, identifying fetal alcohol spectrum disorders and utilizing resources. Training materials may need to be improved and/or longer training programs developed for student nurses, and nursing school programs should place more emphasis on educating and preparing student nurses regarding this topic area.
authors.affiliation: Department of Family and Community Medicine, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN, USA.
authors.forename: Roger J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Zoorob
authors.affiliation: Department of Social Work, University of West Florida, Pensacola, FL, USA; University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, USA.
authors.forename: Kristy M
authors.initials: KM
authors.lastname: Durkin
authors.affiliation: Department of Family and Community Medicine, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, 37208-3599 TN, USA. Electronic address: sgonzalez@mmc.edu.
authors.forename: Sandra J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Gonzalez
authors.affiliation: PMHNP Program, Vanderbilt University School of Nursing, Nashville, TN, USA.
authors.forename: Susie
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Adams
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000428:Alcohol Drinking / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003479:Curriculum; D004508:Education, Nursing, Baccalaureate / Q000458:organization & administration*; D004509:Education, Nursing, Continuing / Q000458:organization & administration*; D005260:Female; D063647:Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000451:nursing* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D009740:Nursing Staff / Q000193:education*; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D011247:Pregnancy; D015144:Southeastern United States; D013338:Students, Nursing; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Alcohol; Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders; Nursing education; Prevention; Training