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.