Prevention of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder by the Use of Technology Study
Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) refers to several disorders caused by the use of alcohol during pregnancy. People born with FASD will experience serious physical and mental problems. In Alberta 46,000 people currently live with FASD and approximately 700-1900 babies are born with FASD in the province each year.
The goal of this study is to see how a Mobile Alcohol Measuring (MAM) breathalyzer device (linked to a cellphone) changes alcohol consumption during pregnancy in women with alcohol dependency issues. This is the first study of its kind. We hope that the ability to self-monitor blood alcohol concentration during pregnancy can reduce alcohol consumption, and thus reduce the possibility of delivering a child with FASD.
Purpose: This study will provide useful evidence for tailoring future optimal maternal and child health care for women, with the potential of decreasing health care utilization by prevention of FASD. MAM device usage should improve patient monitoring convenience and demonstrate reductions in alcohol use outside of traditional office visits and patient self-reports.
Start Date: November 1st, 2015 Completion Date: November 1st, 2018
Contact: For more information about the study, please contact Jasmine Brown, Project Manager and Research Coordinator, Institute of Health Economics at jbrown@ihe.ca.
Additional Resources:
- For more information on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, please see the following link:
About Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder - General Facts/Brochures:
FASD Research and Resources - Institute of Health Economics FASD Publications and Reports:
FASD Publications and Reports