Health Equity Consortium: Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion for Black, Indigenous, and 2SLGBTQIA+ Nurses.

This article provides reflections on the initiatives and experiences of nurses who identify as Black, Indigenous, and/or 2SLGBTQIA + within the Canadian healthcare system, as well as the efforts of the Health Equity Consortium to promote equity within the nursing profession. The paper explores the unwavering commitment of marginalized nurses to exceptional patient care despite facing pervasive prejudices and discrimination. It discusses the Registered Nurses' Association of Ontario's (RNAO) commitment to diversity and the creation of the Health Equity Consortium to address systemic barriers.

Vaginal chlorhexidine during labour to prevent early-onset neonatal group B streptococcal infection.

Background: Although early-onset group B β-hemolytic streptococcus (GBS) infection is rare, it accounts for approximately 30% of neonatal infections, has a high mortality rate, and is acquired through vertical transmission from colonized mothers. Several trials have demonstrated the efficacy of intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis (IAP) for preventing early-onset disease (EOD). Vaginal disinfection with chlorhexidine during labour has been proposed as another strategy for preventing GBS EOD in the preterm and term neonate.

Folic acid transport to the human fetus is decreased in pregnancies with chronic alcohol exposure.

Background: During pregnancy, the demand for folic acid increases since the fetus requires this nutrient for its rapid growth and cell proliferation. The placenta concentrates folic acid into the fetal circulation; as a result the fetal levels are 2 to 4 times higher than the maternal level. Animal and in vitro studies have suggested that alcohol may impair transport of folic acid across the placenta by decreasing expression of transport proteins.

Transcutaneous bilirubin measurement at the time of hospital discharge in a multiethnic newborn population.

Background: Severe neonatal hyperbilirubinemia continues to occur in healthy newborns. Recent guidelines have supported using transcutaneous devices in estimating bilirubin levels. Previous studies using these devices are limited.

Feeling different: the experience of living with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder.

Background: In Canada the incidences of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is estimated to be in 1 in 100 live births caused by prenatal exposure to alcohol, the disorder is the leading cause of developmental and cognitive disabilities among Canadian children and its effects are life lasting. No research has attempted to describe the experience of living with FASD from the perspective of Canadian children.

Purpose: The main purpose of this study was to describe the children's experience of living with FASD.

What do we know about the economic impact of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder? A systematic literature review.

Aims: The objective of this study was to conduct a systematic review of the literature related to the measurement of the economic impact of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) in different countries and to categorize the available literature.

Methods: A systematic literature search of the studies concerning the economic impact of FASD was conducted using multiple electronic bibliographic databases.

Results: The literature on the economic burden of FASD is scarce.

The remarkably high prevalence of epilepsy and seizure history in fetal alcohol spectrum disorders.

Background: Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is the umbrella term that describes the range of adverse developmental outcomes that may occur in the offspring of mothers who drink alcohol during pregnancy. FASD is associated with several comorbidities including epilepsy. The objective of the study was to evaluate the prevalence of epilepsy or a history of seizures in subjects with FASD and the contribution of relevant risk factors.

Psychological and/or educational interventions for reducing alcohol consumption in pregnant women and women planning pregnancy.

Background: It is estimated that more than 20% of pregnant women worldwide consume alcohol. Current research suggests that alcohol intake of seven or more standard drinks (one standard drink = 13.6 grams of absolute alcohol) per week during pregnancy places the baby at risk of serious, lifelong developmental and cognitive disabilities.

The burden of prenatal exposure to alcohol: revised measurement of cost.

Background: In Canada the incidence of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is estimated to be 1 in 100 live births. FASD is the leading cause of developmental and cognitive disabilities in Canada. Only one study has examined the cost of FASD in Canada.

Cost of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder in Canada.

Question: I have heard that thousands of Canadian kids are affected by fetal alcohol spectrum disorders. Has there been any attempt to estimate what it costs our society?

Answer: In a recent Canadian study, the lifetime cost of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders was estimated at $1 million per case. With an estimated 4000 new cases yearly, this translates to $4 billion annually.

Health-related quality of life of Canadian children and youth prenatally exposed to alcohol.

Background: In Canada, the incidence of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) has been estimated to be 1 in 100 live births. Caused by prenatal exposure to alcohol, FASD is the leading cause of neuro-developmental disabilities among Canadian children, and youth.

Objective: To measure the health-related quality of life (HRQL) of Canadian children and youth diagnosed with FASD.

Cultural differences and parental responses to the preterm infant at risk: strategies for supporting families.

Parenting a preterm infant at risk for developmental disabilities can be a profoundly stressful experience. For parents from minority cultures, language barriers and cultural differences can increase feelings of uncertainty and inability to cope. Research suggests that cultural differences influence not only parents' emotional responses to and perceptions of disability, but also their utilization of services and their interaction with health professionals.