Background: South Africa has the highest reported prevalence of Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) in the world. The scarcity of resources necessitates careful selection of intervention sites to maximise impact. This presentation gives an overview of how FASD prevalence studies have been used to select intervention sites at different projects. There are multiple clinics at most project sites and an equitable means of intervention site selection is required.

Objectives: To give an overview of the use of FASD prevalence rates as selection tool for for intervention intervention sites. This presentation will also discuss the strengths and weaknesses of this approach.

Methods: This presentation will look at this method as it was used at two project sites. School-based FASD prevalence studies are conducted to determine the rates of FASD among Grade 1 school children in a given area. Using these figures, areas with the highest prevalence were identified and singled out for intervention based on the percentage of Grade 1 learners affected in the nearest school. The prevalence rates were not statistically compared. Suitable clinics in these areas were then identified as sites for intervention.

Results:FASD prevalence rates per school varied greatly and it was possible to identify areas of specific concern. The sample sizes were small, and the statistical significance of the differences can be questioned. Pragmatically, however, this may be the most equitable selection process.

Conclusions: Regardless of methodological concerns using FASD prevalence rates has been useful to select intervention sites.