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Experiences of living with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders: a systematic review and synthesis of qualitative data
Author(s) -
Domeij Helena,
Fahlström Gunilla,
Bertilsson Göran,
Hultcrantz Monica,
MuntheKaas Heather,
Gordh Christiehlin,
Helgesson Gert
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
developmental medicine and child neurology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.658
H-Index - 143
eISSN - 1469-8749
pISSN - 0012-1622
DOI - 10.1111/dmcn.13696
Subject(s) - psychology , cinahl , qualitative research , psycinfo , critical appraisal , psychological intervention , developmental psychology , fetal alcohol spectrum disorder , attendance , clinical psychology , medline , medicine , psychiatry , alternative medicine , pregnancy , social science , pathology , sociology , biology , political science , law , economics , genetics , economic growth
Aim To identify and assess available evidence from qualitative studies exploring experiences of individuals living with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders ( FASD ) or those living with a child with FASD , as well as experiences of interventions aimed at supporting individuals with FASD and their families. Method A systematic literature search was conducted in six electronic databases: PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, CINAHL , Psyc INFO , and Scopus. Included studies were analysed using manifest content analysis. Methodological limitations and confidence in the evidence were assessed using a modified version of the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme and the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation–Confidence in the Evidence from Reviews of Qualitative Research approach respectively. Results Findings from 18 studies show that individuals with FASD experience a variation of disabilities, ranging from somatic problems, high pain tolerance, destructive behaviour, hyperactivity, and aggressiveness, to social problems with friendship, school attendance, and maintenance of steady employment. Most studies reported parents’ experiences with FASD ; parenting was viewed as a lifelong engagement and that the whole family is isolated and burdened because of FASD . People with FASD feel that their difficulties affect their daily life in a limiting way and make them feel different from others. Interpretation From the perspective of primarily parents, individuals with FASD and their parents face many different difficulties, for which they need societal support. What this paper adds Individuals with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) feel their difficulties make them different from others. Parents think of their parenting as a lifelong engagement. There is a shortage of studies investigating experiences of children with FASD. There is a shortage of studies investigating experiences of interventions given to individuals with FASD.