Public Attitudes to and Awareness of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome in Young Adults

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Abstract
Public attitude toward, and awareness of possible problems and risks associated with the consumption of alcohol during pregnancy were assessed in ninety-five males and ninety-seven females in the fourteen to thirty years age group. A survey questionnaire containing structured and open-ended measures was distributed among visitors to the University of Queensland. Whilst there was a high awareness of the problem, knowledge of the specific effects to the offspring, and of quantities and frequency of consumption of alcohol which would have teratogenic effects were erroneous. Both sexes overwhelmingly chose a medical practitioner to present information if a media campaign were introduced. Females preferred dispensation of information through popular magazines while males preferred the electronic media. The findings thus suggest that there is a need to educate young adults on the specific harmful effects of alcohol on a developing child and that medical practitioners can make significant contribution in this important area of education to prevent Fetal Alcohol Syndrome.