Date of Award

1995

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

First Advisor

Betty LeMasters

Second Advisor

Arlene Taich

Third Advisor

Melva Ruff

Abstract

This project will focus on prenatal substance abuse and the long term adverse effects of birth defects in the offspring of these women. The focus will discuss a relationship between the drug exposed fetus as a predictor of later development of behavior problems , running along the continuum from antisocial behavior to aggression and violence.

Research will show that of the three leading contributors to birth defects , Fetal Alcohol Syndrome is number one, greater than Downs Syndrome and Spina Bifida. The risk factors of prenatal substance abuse will be described as use of alcohol , other drugs , and nicotine. These risk factors may be prevented or minimized through education and intervention efforts.

Due to the widespread problem, and to the lack of knowledge about how to deal with it, government and medical policies have been implemented to address perinatal substance abuse, and to provide care for children born in these circumstances. Public policy in general supports measures to prevent developmental and behavior problems in these children, rather than spending millions to try to rectify the situation after the damage is done.

Download

Share

COinS