3. Piloting an evidence-based good practice intervention for reducing the risk of FASD

Within the FAR SEAS project, a multi-component evidence-based good practice community intervention was implemented and evaluated in Mazovia (Poland), with the aim to prevent alcohol consumption among pregnant women and women in child-bearing age, and therefore to prevent FASD.

Staff from services available at local level (social, therapeutical and psychological) screened childbearing age women (pregnant and not pregnant) for alcohol risky use (using AUDIT C) and psychosocial risks. Interventions, ranging from brief intervention, via motivational sessions, to individualized care package, were tailored to the needs of the women according to their level and type of risk and their reproductive status.

441 child-bearing age women including 42 pregnant women (9,5%), were recruited (70%, 23%, 7%: low, moderate, high-risk group). Results of the pilot study, in terms of participants risk behaviours changes, knowledge, and attitudes of women and professionals toward PAE and FASD, will be reported during the presentation (collection of final data is ongoing). Special attention will be paid to describe key issues, such as the process of recruiting service providers and participants, background characteristics of participants, skills and attitudes among professionals, and implementation at local level. Discussions AND conclusions FAS/FASD prevention should take evidence into consideration and adapt interventions to the local context in order to engage professionals and make programmes sustainable. The results of the pilot project will contribute to the general knowledge on best practices in the area of FASD prevention and provide useful information for other EU regions aiming to reduce the risk of prenatal alcohol exposure.