Alcohol: Effects on the Neonate and Children

Problems for neonates and children arising from the use and misuse of alcohol by adults were examined. For the progeny of pregnant women, problems begin with gestational exposure to alcohol, regardless of the fact that the mother may not be abusing the substance. Heavy use of alcohol by a pregnant woman, however, exacerbates the problem for the child once born. Alcohol abuse by adults in households with children also affects adversely the lives of those children. The prevalence of drinking is highest for both females and in the 21-34 age range, which is the prime child-bearing age range and a major segment of the major child-rearing range. Heavy social and economic costs to society ensue both from the consumption of alcohol by women during pregnancy and the abuse of alcohol by adults in households with children. Problems for neonates and children arising from the use and misuse of alcohol by adults were examined. Conclusions were drawn was that such problems are both widespread and significant. A community-based intervention based in social learning theory was recommended to address the problems.

A NURSING RESPONSE TO THE EFFECTS OF PARENTAL ALCOHOL USE AND ABUSE ON NEONATES AND CHILDREN, AND THE SUBSEQUENT COSTS TO SOCIETY

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