Healthcare utilisation and characteristics of adults with fetal alcohol syndrome: a descriptive population-based cohort study in Ontario, Canada.

BACKGROUND

Adults with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) experience many adverse health and social outcomes, yet their healthcare utilisation is under-researched.

METHOD: This population-based descriptive cohort study utilised ICES provincial administrative health databases and Canadian Death Vital Statistics to identify adults with FAS via usage of hospital-based services (2002-2013) and examine their demographics, healthcare utilisation, mental health and addiction diagnoses, and mortality during follow-up (2014-2017).

RESULTS

565 adults with FAS were included in the cohort. During the follow-up period, 27% used in-patient psychiatric care; 30% the emergency department 12 + times; 28% were hospitalised at least once; and 17% used home care services. They displayed high rates of physical and mental health comorbidities, substance use disorders, history of abuse, and income from social assistance.

CONCLUSION

Adults with FAS require accessible and extensive healthcare services to address their complex needs and improve long-term outcomes.