Perception of health risk linked to environmental factors by pregnant women

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.

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Involvement of perinatal health professionals to reduce the exposure of pregnant women to chemicals

European Journal of Public Health ◽

10.1093/eurpub/ckaa166.991 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽

Author(s):

M Sauvant-Rochat ◽

L Bernard ◽

M Pelissier ◽

C Marie ◽

D Lémery ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Pregnant Women ◽

Health Professionals ◽

Univariate Analysis ◽

Occupational Status ◽

Environmental Risks ◽

Perinatal Health ◽

Sources Of Information ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Cleaning Products

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.

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

Maternal and Child Health Journal ◽

10.1007/s10995-018-2668-x ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 23 (3) ◽

pp. 335-345 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Cécile Marie ◽

Didier Lémery ◽

Françoise Vendittelli ◽

Marie-Pierre Sauvant-Rochat

Keyword(s):

Risk Perception ◽

Pregnant Women ◽

Health Professionals ◽

Perinatal Health ◽

Phthalate Exposure

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A French network for prevention and reduction of reproductive risk in couples and pregnant women

European Journal of Public Health ◽

10.1093/eurpub/ckz186.186 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 29 (Supplement_4) ◽

Author(s):

C Sunyach ◽

J Perrin ◽

F Bretelle ◽

C Paris ◽

R Garlantezec ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Pregnant Women ◽

Health Professionals ◽

Pregnancy Outcomes ◽

Lifestyle Changes ◽

Perinatal Health ◽

University Hospitals ◽

Reproductive Risk ◽

Information Leaflets ◽

Infertile Couples ◽

Set Up

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.

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Perception of Environmental Risks and Health Promotion Attitudes of French Perinatal Health Professionals

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph13121255 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 13 (12) ◽

pp. 1255 ◽

Cited By ~ 11

Author(s):

Cécile Marie ◽

Didier Lémery ◽

Françoise Vendittelli ◽

Marie-Pierre Sauvant-Rochat

Keyword(s):

Health Promotion ◽

Health Professionals ◽

Environmental Risks ◽

Perinatal Health

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Cosmetics and pregnancy: perception of health risk by health professionals and pregnant women

European Journal of Public Health ◽

10.1093/eurpub/ckz186.141 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 29 (Supplement_4) ◽

Author(s):

M Sauvant-Rochat ◽

N G L Kouamé ◽

M R Fradet ◽

C Marie ◽

L Bernard ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Health Risk ◽

Pregnant Women ◽

Health Professionals ◽

Sources Of Information ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

Qualitative Survey ◽

Interview Guide ◽

Organic Products ◽

Body Care ◽

Perception Of Health

Abstract Contex During pregnancy, the International Federation of Gyneco-Obstetrics (FIGO) advocates limiting exposure to chemicals present in everyday products, including cosmetics. However, both pregnant women (PW) and perinatal health professionals (PHP) know still poorly this source of exposure. AIMS: The PERICOS-Quali Study aims to identify the perception of the risk associated with the use of cosmetics during pregnancy by PHP and PW. Methodology A qualitative survey was conducted among PHP and PW in Auvergne (France). The data were collected by semi-structured interviews with the PHP and by focus group with the PW, until saturation of the speeches, by an experienced investigator, with an interview guide. The interviews were recorded, the verbatim was transcribed and subjected to a thematic analysis with the N-VIVO v11 software. Results 12 PHP (5 midwives, 2 general practitioners and 5 obstetricians) and 24 PW were interviewed. PHP and PW considered cosmetics as wellness and body-care products. Furthermore PHP noted that during pregnancy women used more often organic products, moisturizers or anti-stretch marks, and reduced the use of perfumes, deodorants. In the absence of recommandations based on Evidence-Based Medecine, PHP and PW considered the risk related to cosmetics as not major. The PHP (especially midwives) reported giving advice to comfort the pregnant women; their positioning was not to prohibit the use of cosmetics during pregnancy. PW did not identify PHP as reliable sources of information about cosmetics. Conclusions PHP are seeking for tools to help them to better advice PW. And PW would like also to have pertinent advices about cosmetics to make a reasoned choice. Key messages Health education about use of cosmetics during pregnancy is necessary. Pregnant women and health professionals don’t perceive health risk linked to cosmetics.

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Perception of environmental risks by French perinatal health professionals

European Journal of Public Health ◽

10.1093/eurpub/ckw170.063 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 26 (suppl_1) ◽

Author(s):

C Marie ◽

D Lémery ◽

F Vendittelli ◽

M-P Sauvant-Rochat

Keyword(s):

Health Professionals ◽

Environmental Risks ◽

Perinatal Health

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Impact of individual social deprivation on environmental risk perception by French pregnant women

European Journal of Public Health ◽

10.1093/eurpub/ckaa166.330 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽

Author(s):

M P Sauvant-Rochat ◽

L Bernard ◽

M Pelissier ◽

C Marie ◽

D Lémery ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Health Promotion ◽

Pregnant Women ◽

Environmental Health ◽

Health Professionals ◽

Social Deprivation ◽

Environmental Risks ◽

Targeted Prevention ◽

Maternity Hospitals ◽

Smoking Behaviors ◽

The Impact

Abstract Background Individual social deprivation (ISD) can have significant impact on the life conditions. However, few studies explored the impact of ISD on the preventive behaviors adopted by pregnant women (PW) in relation to exposure of chemicals. AIM This study aims to describe the link between ISD and the perception of chemical and environmental risks. Methods A cross-sectional survey was performed among PW present in maternity hospitals in Auvergne (France). Face-to-face interviews with a standardized questionnaire were used to collect anonymously the data (socio-demographic characteristics, smoking behaviors, perception of environmental risks (PER Score based on Likert scale ranking from 0 to 10), individual social deprivation (by EPICES score)). Statistical analysis (univariate analysis - logistic regression) was performed with Modalisa® 8.0 (Kynos, Paris). Results 300 PW (29±5 years old) were included. The majority of PW reported being aware of the risks associated with chemicals. The PER Score is estimated at 6.3±1.8. It was significantly associated with parity and trimester of pregnancy, and inversely linked to age of PW. The EPICES Score was 19.9 ±17.8 (rank: 0-85). With a precariousness threshold of 30, only a quarter of the PW were in a precarious situation. The EPICES Score was inversely related to age, smoking behaviors, and environmental risks perception. The criterion of choice of everyday products was linked to the EPICES score. 'Organic products' were mainly used by PW with EPICES Score < 30 (not precarious). Conclusions The weight of social determinisms on environmental sensitivity highlights the need for targeted prevention. The role of health professionals in prevention and environmental health promotion is essential, especially to detect women of low socioeconomic status who may not be sensitive to media messages and prevention campaigns disseminated by health authorities. Key messages Perinatal health professionals must have a major role in environmental health promotion, especially for pregnant women with individual social deprivation. Perception of chemicals and environmental risks was inversely linked to the individual social deprivation (EPICES score) in this French PW population.

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Exploring maternal nutrition counseling provided by health professionals during antenatal care follow-up: a qualitative study in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia-2019

BMC Nutrition ◽

10.1186/s40795-021-00427-1 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 7 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Matyas Atnafu Alehegn ◽

Tsegaye Kebede Fanta ◽

Agumas Fentahun Ayalew

Keyword(s):

Pregnant Women ◽

Study Design ◽

Health Professionals ◽

Maternal Nutrition ◽

Addis Ababa ◽

Nutrition Counseling ◽

Institutional Barriers ◽

Size Adjustment ◽

Sample Size Adjustment ◽

Pregnant Mothers

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.

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Patterns of use and perceived value of social media for population health among population health stakeholders: a cross-sectional web-based survey

BMC Public Health ◽

10.1186/s12889-021-11370-y ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Sungwon Yoon ◽

Sharon Wee ◽

Vivian S. Y. Lee ◽

Jing Lin ◽

Julian Thumboo

Keyword(s):

Social Media ◽

Community Engagement ◽

Population Health ◽

Preventive Care ◽

Health Professionals ◽

Healthcare Professionals ◽

Web Based ◽

Healthy Behaviors ◽

Time Investment ◽

Patterns Of Use

Abstract Background Although existing studies have described patterns of social media use in healthcare, most are focused on health professionals in one discipline. Population health requires a multi-disciplinary approach to ensure diversity and to include diverse stakeholders. To date, what is known about using social media in population health is focused on its potential as a communication tool. This study aims to investigate patterns of use and perceived value of social media usage among stakeholders in population health practice, policy, or research. Methods We conducted a web-based survey of delegates attending the Singapore Population Health Conversations and Workshop. We designed a 24-item questionnaire to assess 1) social media use in terms of type of platform and frequency of use; 2) perceptions of social media relevance and impact on population health; and 3) top three areas in population health that would benefit from social media. We used descriptive and logistic regression analyses to assess the relationships between variables. Results Of the 308 survey respondents, 97.7% reported that they use social media in some form. Messaging (96.8%) was the most dominant activity when using social media. Challenges in implementing social media for population health were time investment by health care professionals (56.2%) and patient adoption (52.9%). The top three population health areas that would benefit most from using social media were the promotion of healthy behaviors (60.7%), community engagement (47.7%), and preventive care (40.6%). Older respondents (> = 40 years) were less likely to view social media as useful for the promotion of healthy behaviors (OR = 0.34; 95% CI: 0.19–0.60). Non-social/healthcare professionals were more likely to consider social media to be useful for community engagement (OR = 1.74; 95% CI: 1.10–2.76). For preventive care, older respondents (OR = 0.51; 95% CI: 0.32–0.82) and non-social/healthcare professionals were less likely to view social media as useful (OR = 0.61; 95% CI: 0.38–0.97). Conclusions Our findings suggest that it may be important to select the specific care areas that would benefit most from using social media. The time investment needed by population health professionals should be fully addressed in planning to maximize the application and potential value of social media.

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Dispensing of Food Supplements in the Treatment and Prevention of Urinary Tract Infections

Medical Sciences Forum ◽

10.3390/msf2021005001 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 5 (1) ◽

pp. 1

Author(s):

Beatriz Setoca ◽

Ana I. Fernandes

Keyword(s):

Urinary Tract ◽

Urinary Tract Infections ◽

Health Professionals ◽

Bacterial Resistance ◽

Food Supplements ◽

Public Health Issue ◽

Therapeutic Approaches ◽

Treatment And Prevention ◽

Tract Infections ◽

Perception Of Health

Urinary tract infections constitute an important public health issue due to recurrence and antibiotic resistance. Currently, antibiotics are the standard therapy but non-antibiotic approaches, such as food supplements, could be beneficial and reduce bacterial resistance. This work aimed at a better understanding of the perception of health professionals involved in dispensing and counselling, in the community pharmacy, regarding the utility of these products as preventive alternatives and therapeutic approaches.

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