Phthalate Exposure in Pregnant Women: Risk Perception and Preventive Advice of Perinatal Health Professionals

2018 ◽  
Vol 23 (3) ◽  
pp. 335-345 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cécile Marie ◽  
Didier Lémery ◽  
Françoise Vendittelli ◽  
Marie-Pierre Sauvant-Rochat
2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
M Sauvant-Rochat ◽  
L Bernard ◽  
M Pelissier ◽  
C Marie ◽  
D Lémery ◽  
...  

Abstract Background During pregnancy, reducing exposure to chemicals is obvious to many pregnant women (PW), and also perinatal health professionals (PHP), but few of them are aware that these substances are present in everyday products (cleaning products, DIY products, gardening products, personal health care products, cosmetics, food plastic wrappers etc.). AIM This study aimed to estimate the perception of risks related to chemicals by PW, and also to describe the advice provided by PHP to PW. Methods A cross-sectional survey was performed among French PW. Interviewers, using a standardized questionnaire, collected data anonymously. Data focused on socio-demographic and occupational characteristics, perception of environmental risks, identification of chemicals by PW, and preventive advices performed by PHP. Statistical analysis (univariate analysis - logistic regression) were done with Modalisa® 8.0 software (Kynos, Paris). Results 300 PW (29.5 +/- 5 years old) were included. They report a relatively high level of sensitivity to environmental issues (SE Score = 6.3 ± 1.7, on a Likert 0-10 scale). When asked about the level of risk associated with 15 environmental risks, pregnant women placed exposure to chemicals in only twelfth position. Two thirds of PW were interested by the composition of everyday products, and looked at the ingredients mentioned on the labels, but most of them declared that the information present on the labels were not comprehensible. An interest for organic products was noted. These behaviors were related to the age, socio-occupational status, perception of environmental risks. For most of PW, the main sources of information on chemicals were the Internet and medias. Only 5% PW identified PHP as potential interlocutors on this topic. Conclusions For most PW, everyday products were not identified as health risk products. To date, it is important to strengthen the information provided to PW by PHP on the risks linked o chemicals during pregnancy. Key messages Exposures to chemicals present in everyday products (DIY, cleaning products, cosmetics, food plastic wrappers etc.) are not well identified by pregnant women and by perinatal health professionals. Exposure to chemicals must be reduced during pregnancy and health promotion messages must integrate this advice to promote healthy behaviors.


2009 ◽  
Vol 124 (5) ◽  
pp. 629-641 ◽  
Author(s):  
Holly A. Grason ◽  
Dawn P. Misra

In this study, we considered approaches to reducing maternal exposure to hazardous environmental toxicants, focusing on risk communication to pregnant women and providers, but also considering identification of environmental toxicants in the community and reduction of environmental toxicants. We addressed the following questions: ( 1) What do pregnant women and their providers know about environmental toxicants and perinatal health? and ( 2) What policy strategies are needed (should be considered) to move forward in risk reduction in this area? We reviewed the literature on knowledge of pregnant women and providers regarding these issues. While there is limited research on what pregnant women and their providers know about environmental toxicants and perinatal health, there is evidence of reproductive and perinatal toxicity. This article describes a wide range of policy strategies that could be implemented to address environmental toxicants in the context of perinatal health. Effective leadership in this area will likely require collaboration of both environmental health and maternal and child health leaders and organizations.


2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (Supplement_4) ◽  
Author(s):  
C Sunyach ◽  
J Perrin ◽  
F Bretelle ◽  
C Paris ◽  
R Garlantezec ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Since 2013, several international (ASRM, FIGO, ACOG) and French (ANSES) learned societies and the French National Health and Environment Plan (2015-2019) urged to take into account exposures to environmental reprotoxic substances during standard care of infertile couples and pregnant women. However perinatal health professionals hardly incorporate this recommendation into practice. Objectives To create a network of platforms to addressing the environmental aspects that can impact the pregnancy chances of infertile couples after ART and pregnancy outcomes. We asked regional health authorities in France to provide funding for multidisciplinary hospital structures, in conjunction with clinical-biological reproductive health and gynecology-obstetric centers. Expertise, as well as information leaflets and risk detection tools have been shared. Results Platforms of counselling and prevention have been set up in the University Hospitals of Bordeaux, Marseille, Rennes, Créteil and Paris Fernand-Widal. Infertile couples and pregnant women, referred by reproductive physicians, benefit from personalized management of their domestic/professional reprotoxic exposures by addictology/tobacco, dietetics, occupational health and environmental pathology professionals. The network organizes an annual scientific day and a common database of exposure is being set up. Conclusions The PREVENIR (PREVENTION - ENVIRONMENT - Reproduction) network of platforms allows perinatal health professionals to refer their patients in order to optimize their chance of pregnancy through personalized and multidisciplinary care. The lifestyle changes initiated through this approach will also improve pregnancy outcomes and child health. Key messages A French network for the prevention and reduction of reproductive risk in infertile couples and pregnant women: the PREVENIR platforms (PREVENTION - ENVIRONMENT - Reproduction) is being established. Perinatal health professionals of multidisciplinary platforms engage into preventive actions to limit the exposure to environmental hazards during preconception and pregnancy.


2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (Supplement_4) ◽  
Author(s):  
M Sauvant-Rochat ◽  
N G L Kouamé ◽  
L Bernard ◽  
C Marie ◽  
D Lémery ◽  
...  

Abstract Bacground Recently, the International Federation of Gyneco-Obstetrics (FIGO) advocates limiting exposure to chemicals present in everyday products during pregnancy. To date, the chemicals, and the risks related, are not well-known, as well by perinatal health professionals (PHP) as by pregnant women (PW). AIMS: to estimate the sensitivity to the environment and the perception of risks related to chemical substances by pregnant women. Methodology A descriptive cross-over study was carried out among pregnant women ((followed or hospitalized in different health establishments in Auvergne). The collection of data (socio-demographic characteristics, sensitivity to the environment, use of cosmetics, perception of environmental risks) was carried out by interviewers, using a standardized questionnaire. The statistical analysis (logistic regression) was performed with Modalisa® 8.0 (Kynos, Paris). Results Three hundred questionnaires were analyzed. The sensitivity to the environment is estimated at 6.3 ± 1.7 (scale 0 to 10). For the majority of women, exposure to chemicals is primarily related to the use of cleaning products, DIY products, and gardening products. Food can also be a source of exposure (especially for pesticides). On the other hand, cosmetics are not perceived as products containing chemical substances, with potential risk to health. This vision of chemical substances is related to age, educational level, socio-professional category and sensitivity to the environment. Only 5% (19/300) of PW considered health professionals as referents on chemical substances and environmental problems. Conclusions This study highlighted the sensitivity of pregnant women to environmental issues, but a lack of knowledge of chemicals and the risks which they represent for health. It is important to reinforce the information given to pregnant women by perinatal health professionals about healthy behaviors. Key messages Pregnant women don’t know all sources of exposure to chemical substances. Training in environmental health must be increased for perinatal health professionals.


BMC Nutrition ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Matyas Atnafu Alehegn ◽  
Tsegaye Kebede Fanta ◽  
Agumas Fentahun Ayalew

Abstract Background Nutritional awareness and practice of women during pregnancy could be determining their nutritional status, which significantly affects the outcome of pregnancy. Therefore this study aims to explore the maternal nutrition counseling provided by health professionals for pregnant women, Barriers to maternal nutrition, and major interventions. Methods A descriptive study design with a qualitative method by using ground theory tradition, based on constructivist research approach and Charmaz’s (2000) study design has been conducted from September-01/2019 _November-16/2019 among pregnant women who got ANC service in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. A purposive sampling technique was used. Practical observations and in-depth interviews were conducted. The sample size adjustment has been carried out according to the information saturation obtained, and finally, 81 practical observations, In-depth interview with two center managers, nine health professionals and eleven term pregnant women has been conducted. An observational checklist and Semi-structured, open-ended questionnaires were used. Data, the environment, and methodological triangulation were carried out. A conceptual framework has been established based on the data collected about the whole process of maternal nutrition counseling during pregnancy. ATLAS TI software was utilized for information analysis. The results Most participants responded that maternal nutrition counseling provided to pregnant mothers is not adequate and neglected by most stakeholders. From 81 practical observations, health professionals counseled to mothers were 10 what to feed, 4 what to limit to consume, and 5 were counseled about what to eat during pregnancy. Close to all the respondents agreed on the importance of providing nutrition counseled by the nutritionists. Most of the study participants emphasized a shortage of time as primary barriers. Institutional Barriers, Professional Barriers, Maternal Barriers, and Community Barriers were major barriers to nutrition counseling. Conclusions Generally, maternal nutrition counseling provided to pregnant mothers was not adequate and neglected by most stakeholders. Shortage of time due to client flow, Institutional Barriers, Professional Barriers, Maternal Barriers, and Community Barriers were major categories of maternal nutritional counseling barriers. Information update and timely preparation were recommended to health professionals.


2021 ◽  
pp. 027507402110103
Author(s):  
Emily Rose Tangsgaard

Many situations in public service delivery are characterized by uncertainty about the potential negative consequences following decisions. These risky situations make the behavior of frontline professionals particularly important. But what shapes the risk perception and subsequent behavior of frontline professionals in risky situations? This article explores the idea that organizational culture provides part of the answer. To examine this, a comprehensive qualitative study with participant observations and interviews at five public hospital wards was conducted. The findings demonstrate the importance of organizational culture on risk perception and behavior in risky situations. Basic cultural assumptions related to professional discussion, administering medicine, grading of adverse events, and prioritizing follow-up activities matter to behavior in risky situations. In organizational cultures with high levels of trust and dialogue about decision-making, the health professionals rely on each other and ask for second opinions, when making decisions in risky situations. Conversely, in organizational cultures with little trust and professional discussion, the health professionals are less likely to ask for second opinions and follow up on risky situations, which increases the possibility of unintended, negative consequences. In this way, organizational culture can be a driver of risk-reducing and risk-seeking behavior among frontline professionals.


2021 ◽  
pp. bmjnph-2020-000159
Author(s):  
Lidia Ghirmai Teweldemedhin ◽  
Helen Gebretatyos Amanuel ◽  
Soliana Amanuel Berhe ◽  
Ghidey Gebreyohans ◽  
Zemenfes Tsige ◽  
...  

BackgroundHealthy pregnancy and birth outcomes are greatly influenced by the intake of adequate and balanced nutrition. Pregnant women’s nutritional knowledge and practice have been identified as an important prerequisites for their proper nutritional intake. The antenatal period with the opportunities for regular contact with health professionals appears to be the ideal time and setting to institute the intervention which could maximise pregnant women’s outcome and that of their baby by motivating them to make nutritional changes.ObjectiveTo assess the effect of nutrition education on the appropriate nutritional knowledge and practice of pregnant women.MethodologyA facility-based single-group pre–post quasi-experimental study design was employed in five health facilities providing antenatal care (ANC) service in Asmara on 226 pregnant women. A predesigned and pretested questionnaire was used to collect data regarding nutritional knowledge via interview by trained data collectors during the pretest, immediate post-test and 6 weeks later. The practice was assessed at pre-intervention and 6 weeks later only. Repeated measures analysis of variance and paired t-test were used to make comparisons in knowledge and practice scores, respectively, using SPSS (V.22).ResultsTraining provided to pregnant women resulted in a significant increase on the mean scores of their knowledge from 29.01/47 (SE=0.35) pre-intervention to 42.73/47 (SE=0.24) immediate post-intervention. However, the score declined significantly from immediate after intervention to 6-week follow-up by 1.79 (SE=0.22). Although the score declined, knowledge at 6-week follow-up was still significantly greater than that of pre-intervention (p<0.0001). Health professionals (70.2%) were the primary source of information for pregnant women. The pregnancy-specific dietary practice score at 6-week follow-up (M=13.13/16, SE=0.09) was significantly higher than that of pre-intervention (M=12.55/16, SE=0.16). There was no significant interaction between the categories of demographic characteristics and change in practice and knowledge.ConclusionThis study has shown that the nutrition messages given to pregnant women by trained health professionals using a holistic approach in a sustained manner played a huge role in increasing their knowledge and in introducing positive dietary practices among them. Thus, ANC clinics must play a leading role in coordinating the effort of awareness creation regarding nutrition during pregnancy.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rachel Sharaby ◽  
Hagit Peres

Abstract Introduction Bedouin women in Israel confront a challenging circumstance between their traditional patriarchal society and transition to modernity. In terms of reproductive health, they face grave disparities as women, pregnant women and mothers. In this article we aim to understand the challenges of Bedouin women who work as mediators in the promotion of Bedouin women’s perinatal health. We explore their challenges with the dual and often conflictual role as health peer-instructors-mediators in mother-and-child clinics, and also as members of a Bedouin community, embodying a status as women, mothers, and family caretakers. Drawn upon a feminist interpretative framework, the article describes their challenges in matters of perinatal health. Our research question is: how do women who traditionally suffer from blatant gender inequality utilize health-promotion work to navigate and empower themselves and other Bedouin women. Methods Based on an interpretive feminist framework, we performed narrative analysis on eleven in-depth interviews with health mediators who worked in a project in the Negev area of Israel. The article qualitatively analyses the ways in which Bedouin women mediators narrate their challenging situations. Results This article shows how difficult health mediators’ task may be for women with restricted education who struggle for autonomy and better social and maternal status. Through their praxis, women mediators develop a critical perspective without risking their commitments as women who are committed to their work as well as their society, communities, and families. These health mediators navigate their ways between the demands of their employer (the Israeli national mother and child health services) and their patriarchal Bedouin society. While avoiding open conflictual confrontations with both hegemonic powers, they also develop self-confidence and a critical and active approach. Conclusions The article shows the ways by which the mediator’s activity involved in perinatal health-promotion may utilize modern perinatal medical knowledge to increase women’s awareness and autonomy over their pregnant bodies and their role as caregivers. We hope our results will be applicable for other women as well, especially for women who belong to other traditional and patriarchal societies.


Indoor Air ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna‐Sofia Preece ◽  
Huan Shu ◽  
Malin Knutz ◽  
Annette M. Krais ◽  
Gabriel Bekö ◽  
...  

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