title: Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD): an Approach to Effective Prevention.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The objective of the current contribution is to propose an evidence-based, six-step approach to develop effective programs for prevention of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Despite widespread campaigns aimed to reduce prenatal alcohol exposure, the number of affected children continues to be high. Current strategies to reduce prenatal alcohol exposure may be ineffective or counterproductive. However, proven principles of health promotion could be applied to reduce drinking in pregnancy. One such approach is Intervention Mapping (IM), a six-step procedure based on proven principles to change behaviors.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  FASD affects all communities and is an underestimated problem worldwide. Programs based on proven principles of behavior change are warranted. Program developers can use pre-existing protocols and strategies from evidence-based practice, such as Intervention Mapping. Developers who plan their preventive programs in a systematic and evidence-based manner increase the chances of success in reducing prenatal alcohol exposure and FASD.
authors.affiliation: Governor Kremers Centre, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, PO Box 5800, 6202 AZ Maastricht, The Netherlands ; Department of Work and Social Psychology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Sylvia
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Roozen
authors.affiliation: European FASD Alliance, Landskrona, Sweden.
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Black
authors.affiliation: Governor Kremers Centre, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, PO Box 5800, 6202 AZ Maastricht, The Netherlands ; Faculty of Psychology and Education Science, Open University of the Netherlands, Heerlen, Netherlands.
authors.forename: G-J Y
authors.initials: GY
authors.lastname: Peters
authors.affiliation: Governor Kremers Centre, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, PO Box 5800, 6202 AZ Maastricht, The Netherlands ; Department of Work and Social Psychology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Kok
authors.affiliation: Governor Kremers Centre, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, PO Box 5800, 6202 AZ Maastricht, The Netherlands ; Department of Health, Ethics & Society, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Townend
authors.affiliation: Governor Kremers Centre, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, PO Box 5800, 6202 AZ Maastricht, The Netherlands ; Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: J G
authors.initials: JG
authors.lastname: Nijhuis
authors.affiliation: Governor Kremers Centre, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, PO Box 5800, 6202 AZ Maastricht, The Netherlands ; Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Maastricht University + Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: G H
authors.initials: GH
authors.lastname: Koek
authors.affiliation: Governor Kremers Centre, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, PO Box 5800, 6202 AZ Maastricht, The Netherlands ; Department of Genetics, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: L M G
authors.initials: LM
authors.lastname: Curfs
keywords: Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder(s); Fetal alcohol syndrome; Health education; Intervention; Prenatal alcohol exposure; Prevention