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Knowledge, Attitudes, and Behaviors Regarding Chemical Exposure among a Population Sample of Reproductive-Aged Women

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  • Isabel J. Ricke

    (Division of Epidemiology & Community Health, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55454, USA)

  • Ashley Oglesby

    (Division of Epidemiology & Community Health, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55454, USA)

  • Grace R. Lyden

    (Division of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55454, USA)

  • Emily S. Barrett

    (Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Rutgers School of Public Health, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA)

  • Stacey Moe

    (Division of Epidemiology & Community Health, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55454, USA)

  • Ruby H. N. Nguyen

    (Division of Epidemiology & Community Health, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55454, USA)

Abstract

We examined the knowledge and attitudes of reproductive-age women toward environmental chemicals and determined how these affect consumer behaviors. At the 2018 Minnesota State Fair, a large community sample of reproductive-age women was recruited to complete a survey on environmental health attitudes and behaviors. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and logistic regression models were used to characterize current attitudes about chemicals. Multivariable logistic regression models examined how sociodemographic characteristics predict knowledge, attitudes, and consumer behaviors. A total of 871 women completed the survey; 74% strongly agreed that chemicals in the environment are dangerous, and 44% of women reported having heard of phthalates, while only 29% reported always practicing at least one environmentally healthy behavior (such as consuming food and beverages from safe plastics). Older age (35–39 versus 18–24: aOR 2.3, 95% CI 1.3, 4.3; 40–44 versus 18–24; aOR 2.0, 95% CI 1.2, 3.2) and working in a healthcare profession (aOR: 1.7, 95% CI: 1.2, 2.5) were associated with strong agreement that chemicals in the environmental are dangerous. Women who strongly agreed chemicals are dangerous were more likely to practice consumer behaviors to reduce their exposure. Interventions targeting knowledge and attitudes towards environmental chemicals could be an effective strategy for reducing harmful exposures.

Suggested Citation

  • Isabel J. Ricke & Ashley Oglesby & Grace R. Lyden & Emily S. Barrett & Stacey Moe & Ruby H. N. Nguyen, 2022. "Knowledge, Attitudes, and Behaviors Regarding Chemical Exposure among a Population Sample of Reproductive-Aged Women," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(5), pages 1-11, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:5:p:3015-:d:764200
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Vogel, S.A., 2009. "The politics of plastics: the making and unmaking of bisphenol a "safety"," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 99(S3), pages 559-566.
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