FASD Prevention Program
I. Summary
II. Focus Groups
III.Theories Used
Health Belief Model
Social Cognitive Theory
Transtheoretical Model
Social Support, Social Networks and Community Building
Summary
In the development of intervention strategies for FASD prevention, we use participatory research methods. Caldwell and others stress the importance of participatory research design, since culture provides an “essential context” to providing public health services. Incorporating the use of focus groups is one method of participatory research that we rely on. The programs we have designed use both surface structure and deep structure (Resnickow and others) in their approach to cultural sensitivity. We use surface structure to increase the acceptability of our intervention programs, and deep structure to recognize the cultural aspects of root causes of this public health problem.
Focus Groups
One key strategy to developing an effective intervention program that meets the needs of the community is by grassroot organization. It is essential for community members to not only have input, but to also be the driving force behind a program. Considering this, our program could not begin without first gathering the community together to identify its needs as they relate to the prevention of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders. Recognizing that different groups within the community may have unique perspectives, we chose to have three (3) focus groups.
Focus Group One: Men and Women between the ages of 18-30
Focus Group Two: Men and Women between the ages of 31-44
Focus Group Three: Community Leaders, Health and Human Service Workers, etc.
Theories Used in Prevention Program
Not all theories and their corresponding programs must be used- rather, the goal is to identify the portions of the programs that would best fit your needs for your community. We have identified four theories that may be used while designing an FASD prevention program for a community, that when employed all together make a very comprehensive program with embedded redundancy. However, each program may be used on its own. Click on each theory below to read more about the specific programs.
Health Belief Model
Abstract:
The HBM addresses the individual's beliefs and perceptions about a health behavior including the perceived susceptibility, severity, barriers, and benefits.
Social Cognitive
Abstract:
SCT emphasizes the importance of enhancing a person’s behavioral capacity and self-confidence, which increases the possibility of them engaging in a specific health behavior. It provides the user with a variety of constructs that can have major implications in the intervention process.
Transtheoretical Model
Abstract:
The Transtheoretical Model uses stages of change to integrate processes and principles of change from across major theories of intervention (Glanz, Rimer, & Lewis, 2002). The Transtheoretical Model intervention for FASD uses a similar approach that incorporates many major theories and attempts to change risky behaviors associated with alcohol consumption in this target population by employing a support group method.
Social Networks/Support and Community Building
Abstract:
Intervention methods are described to make use of and strengthen social networks and support, and that result in enhanced community building.
Citations
Caldwell, J.Y. and others, Culturally Competent Research with American Indians and Alaska Natives.
Resnickow and others, Cultural Sensitivity in Public Health.
