Abstract
Endocrine disruptors (EDCs) are known as environmental exposure factors. However, they are rarely reported by health professionals in clinical practice, particularly during pregnancy, even though they are associated with many deleterious consequences. The objectives of this study were to estimate the risk perception of pregnant women related to EDC exposure and to evaluate its determinants. A qualitative study based on the Health Belief Model was carried out through interviews of pregnant women and focus group with perinatal, environmental health and prevention professionals in 2015 in the city of Poitiers, France. Then, determinants of risk perception were included in a questionnaire administered to 300 women in the perinatal period through a quantitative study. Scores were subsequently calculated. Perception of EDC risk was defined as perceived severity for different stages of the infant’s development and perceived susceptibility to EDC exposure. The determinants reported in the qualitative study were: age, strong maternal figure, socio-professional category, level of knowledge, and involuntariness of exposure. Age and level of knowledge were confirmed in our statistical model as determinants. Mean score of EDC risk perception was 55.0 ± 18.3 on 100 points. Our study should guide healthcare providers when advising pregnant women about EDC and environmental exposure. Our score for perceived EDC risk and assessment of its known determinants may help to assess the impact and the relevance of prevention programs dedicated to reducing exposure to EDC during pregnancy.
Highlights
The in utero period is susceptible to the impact of nutritional and environmental factors on fetuses’ and children’s development, with long-term health consequences [1]
The sociodemographic data of pregnant women who participated in the qualitative study are detailed in Appendix A, Table A1
The route of exposure appears as crucial for perceived susceptibility, since we have seen that it may be decreased in the case of skin exposure, which is a major source of exposure to endocrine disruptors (EDCs) [54]
Summary
The in utero period is susceptible to the impact of nutritional and environmental factors on fetuses’ and children’s development, with long-term health consequences [1]. Some of these environmental factors are endocrine disruptors (EDCs) [2]. EDCs are widely distributed in our environment, and bisphenol A in plastics, its chlorinated derivatives in tap water and parabens in personal care products are some known examples [3,4,5]. Due to the transplacental transfer of these molecules, fetuses and children are vulnerable [6]. Res. Public Health 2018, 15, 2231; doi:10.3390/ijerph15102231 www.mdpi.com/journal/ijerph
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