A comparison of personal care product use between undergraduate students attending military and non-military universities: Possible implications for exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals

Abstract

Personal care products (PCPs) are widely used among adults and often contain endocrine-disrupting chemical additives (EDCs). EDCs can interfere with hormone synthesis and transport, leading to adverse reproductive, developmental, and metabolic impacts. Further, since multiple PCPs are often used concurrently, individuals can be exposed to complex chemical mixtures, thereby magnifying these health risks. Previous studies indicate higher PCP use among college females, thereby exacerbating their risk of EDC exposure. In this study, PCP use was compared between students attending two undergraduate universities with different policies regarding cosmetic use and personal grooming standards. Two hundred fifty-five students from a non-military (n = 121) and military (n = 134) university completed a self-administered survey on PCP use. Logistic regression modeling examined associations with demographic variables, and cohort-specific patterns of PCP use were identified using kappa tests. Comparisons between universities did not reveal significant differences in the total number of products used by males and females (military male median = 8.5; non-military male median=8.0; p = 0.47; military female median = 16.5; non-military female median=16.0; p = 0.78), but the types and patterns of product use varied between schools. Shaving and hair care product use was more common among military students (p < 0.05), and despite the rules against cosmetic use at the military university, significant differences were not observed between non-military and military females (p > 0.05). Despite regulatory differences regarding PCP use between universities, biological sex was the most significant predictor of product use, with females frequently using many different personal care products. Our findings suggest, for both university settings, female students are at a higher risk of EDC exposure than male students, which could influence their susceptibility to EDC-related health events.