From the Guidelines
Yes, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) does disproportionately affect Māori populations in New Zealand. Research indicates that Māori children and families experience higher rates of FASD compared to non-Māori populations. This disparity is not due to biological or genetic factors but rather stems from complex historical and social determinants of health, such as colonization, intergenerational trauma, socioeconomic inequities, and reduced access to culturally appropriate healthcare services, as noted in studies 1. These factors can influence patterns of alcohol consumption during pregnancy and create barriers to early diagnosis and intervention. Additionally, systemic biases in screening and diagnostic processes may lead to both over-identification in some contexts and under-diagnosis in others.
Key Factors Contributing to Disparity
- Colonization and intergenerational trauma
- Socioeconomic inequities
- Reduced access to culturally appropriate healthcare services
- Systemic biases in screening and diagnostic processes Addressing this disparity requires culturally responsive approaches to FASD prevention, diagnosis, and support services that acknowledge the strengths of Māori communities and incorporate Māori values and healing practices, as emphasized in recent clinical guidelines 1. Effective interventions must address the underlying social determinants while ensuring Māori leadership in developing and implementing solutions.
Recommendations for Addressing Disparity
- Culturally responsive approaches to FASD prevention and diagnosis
- Incorporation of Māori values and healing practices in support services
- Addressing underlying social determinants of health
- Ensuring Māori leadership in solution development and implementation By prioritizing these approaches, it is possible to reduce the disproportionate impact of FASD on Māori populations and improve health outcomes for affected individuals and families, as supported by the most recent and highest quality studies 1.
From the Research
FASD and Māori
- FASD is a significant issue affecting Māori, with studies indicating a disproportionate impact on this population 2.
- Research has shown that Māori are overrepresented in FASD prevalence estimates, with one study suggesting a prevalence of 1.7% to 6.3% in Māori populations compared to other ethnicities 2.
- The existing literature on FASD in Indigenous communities, including Māori, is limited, with a focus on intervention development and evaluation, as well as understanding alcohol use in pregnancy 3.
Prevalence and Inequity
- Estimates of FASD prevalence in Aotearoa, New Zealand, suggest a significant disparity between Māori and other ethnic populations, with Māori experiencing higher rates of FASD 2.
- The findings of these studies indicate a need for targeted policy and prevention initiatives to support alcohol-free pregnancies and reduce the lifelong disability caused by prenatal alcohol exposure, particularly among Māori populations 2.
Cultural Considerations
- Research has highlighted the importance of culturally responsive and strengths-based approaches to addressing FASD in Indigenous communities, including Māori 4, 5.
- The development of an Australian FASD Indigenous Framework, which incorporates Aboriginal wisdom and practices, may provide a useful model for addressing FASD in Māori communities 4.