A study has found the national prevalence of foetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) to be significantly higher in Māori than in Pasifika and Asian populations. Prevalence was estimated from self-reported data on any alcohol use during pregnancy for 2012/2013 and 2018/2019, combined with risk estimates for FASD from a meta-analysis of case-ascertainment or clinic-based studies in 7 other countries. FASD prevalence in the general population was 1.7% (95% CI 1.0-2.7%) in 2012/2013 and 1.3% (95% CI 0.9-1.9%) in 2018/2019. Sensitivity analysis estimated FASD in 2018/2019 at 1.1-3.9% for the overall population and 1.7-6.3% for Māori. The study authors noted that although their findings are likely underestimates, they indicate a disproportionate experience of FASD by Māori. Policy and prevention initiatives are needed to support alcohol-free pregnancies to reduce the lifelong disability caused by prenatal alcohol exposure.
