Abstracts of theses and treatises
Valliappan V (1986) Alcohol and pregnancy outcomes; a pilot study in Aboriginal communities. Unpublished Master of Medicine thesis, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales.
This study addresses methodological problems involved in determining possible adverse effects on the foetus from maternal alcohol use in Aboriginal communities of the Northern Territory.
To do this current literature on the Foetal Alcohol Syndrome has been reviewed. Two Aboriginal communities were examined. Maternal drinking status was established via a consensus rating by Aboriginal Health Workers. Maternal demographic and social characteristics have been described. Birth weight, low birth weight, Apgar scores, congenital abnormalities, postnatal health, developmental stage and intellectual performance have been examined as outcomes. These have been critically viewed as possible correlates with maternal alcohol consumption.
While no significant differences were found for birth weight, low birth weight, Apgar scores at one and five minutes and congenital abnormalities between those offspring of drinkers and non-drinkers, a significant correlation was found between a group of gross motor and co-ordination items of the neurological assessment and a test of pattern recognition on the psychological assessment. Furthermore, these appear to discriminate between the offspring of drinkers and non-drinkers. However, the data are insufficient to be able to make definitive conclusions and it is hoped that a future study might be able to pursue this.
It is concluded that research into alcohol related foetal outcomes in Aboriginal communities is feasible although difficulties exist. More effort needs to be directed towards refining developmental and intellectual tests in Aboriginal children. Because of difficulties in achieving rapport in Aboriginal children it is suggested that these tests be performance-oriented rather than communication-oriented.
It is hoped that the study will be of educational value for those working in Aboriginal communities and to other Australian researchers who will be working in an area where so little has previously been done.
For further information on this subject look in the Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet Bibliography or return to the theses page.
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