The Social Epidemiology and Construction of Risk for Fetal Alcohol Syndrome in Native American Communities

Biostatistics and Epidemiology International Journal, 1 (1): 25-29, April 2018

5 Pages Posted: 10 May 2018

See all articles by Brian P. Mangum

Brian P. Mangum

Fiji National University (FNU); College of Micronesia - Federated States of Micronesia; Xavier University - School of Medicine

Date Written: April 20, 2018

Abstract

Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) is characterized by craniofacial dysmorphology, growth de ciencies, and central nervous system dysfunction. The results of FAS are generally mild to moderate retardation, as well as social dysfunction andlack of social attainment. FAS is entirely preventable by not consuming alcohol during pregnancy. Despite this, FAS remains a factor within the general population, with abnormally high rates among Native Americans. This monograph explores the ways in which sociocultural factors play a role in the construction of FAS as a threat in the Native American community, through an examination of FAS as a public health intervention. By examining the determinants of FAS as cultural factors from the standpoint of social epidemiology, including those underlying economic and political factors that place certain ethnic and cultural groups in a state of disenfranchisement, we are able to see how public health interventions that examine such factors can meet immediate clinical demand as well as address long-term cultural stigma and disenfranchisement. Programs that wish to address FAS in Native American communities must address the lack of community resources, such as alcohol abuse counseling, needed to support educational efforts. In addition to this, long-term studies must address how to effectively implement such programs, as well as addressing underlying economic needs that have been shown to be related to alcohol abuse.

Keywords: Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, FAS, Native Americans, Social Epidemiology, Risk, Public Health, Epidemiology, Medicine, Pediatrics, Developmental Disability, Morphology

Suggested Citation

Mangum, Brian P., The Social Epidemiology and Construction of Risk for Fetal Alcohol Syndrome in Native American Communities (April 20, 2018). Biostatistics and Epidemiology International Journal, 1 (1): 25-29, April 2018, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3167665

Brian P. Mangum (Contact Author)

Fiji National University (FNU) ( email )

P.O.Box 7222
Fiji

College of Micronesia - Federated States of Micronesia ( email )

PO Box 159
Kolonia, Pohnpei, 96941
Micronesia

Xavier University - School of Medicine ( email )

NY
United States

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