Trends in fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) research: a systematic scoping review and bibliometric analysis

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is a leading cause of neurodevelopmental disability globally. International health and policy organisations have highlighted an urgent need for improved prevention, diagnosis, and support. However, the evidence base needed to inform this is thought to be limited. We conducted a systematic scoping review and bibliometric analysis to describe trends in the volume and characteristics of original research on FASD published between 2000-2023 (Review 1). We compared the volume of published research on FASD to that of other neurodevelopmental disorders (Review 2). Searches were conducted in MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, PsychInfo (Review 1) and PubMed (Review 2). Eligible studies were original research articles with FASD terms in the title (Review 1) and all records with FASD, autism, or attention-deficit-hyperactivity disorder terms in the title (Review 2) published between 2000-2023. Data were summarised using descriptive statistics, narrative syntheses, and time-series plots to depict trends in common themes, countries of publication, sample characteristics, and research volume. This review found that FASD remains significantly under-researched. While there has been an increase in the number of original FASD research articles published annually over the last 23-years, this is significantly lower than what would be expected based on comparison with publication trends for other neurodevelopmental conditions, and the wider scientific literature. Further research is needed to understand the needs and impact of FASD across the lifespan and within different populations, to inform evidence-based prevention, policy, and support, and to advance progress in strength-based, stigma-reducing approaches to FASD research and practice. Statements and DeclarationsThe authors declare no conflicts of interest