Perceptions and Attitudes of Gynecologic and Pediatric Professionals Regarding Dietary Exposure to Chemical Pollutants


Por: Arrebola JP, Muñoz A, Ferrero-Martinez SI and Larrea-Killinger C

Publicada: 1 jun 2020 Ahead of Print: 2 jun 2020
Resumen:
There is increasing concern regarding the potential implications of continuous dietary exposure to low doses of artificial chemical pollutants, particularly in critical life stages such as pregnancy and lactation. Within a wider social research, we analyzed the risk perception, discourses, and attitudes of health professionals regarding dietary exposure to artificial chemical contaminants. Data was collected by personal interviews on 35 health professionals from two Spanish regions. Although the participants' discourses were strongly dominated by the nutritional composition and microbiological contamination, 34 expressed some concern regarding metals, and 23 regarding pesticides. Although only one participant mentioned a plasticizer (i.e., bisphenol A), we noted an underlying concern, since six professionals admitted to recommending pregnant women to somewhat avoid plastic food containers, and were aware of mother-to-child transmission and accumulation of artificial chemicals. The ubiquity of the exposure, the inability to locate the threat, and contradictory messages can all create a sense of helplessness and subsequent cognitive adjustments. Our participants also reported a lack of information, particularly on emerging pollutants. In conclusion, we found a range of valuable discourses that can aid in orienting public health strategies aimed at health professionals who have a substantial influence on their patients.

Filiaciones:
Arrebola JP:
 Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain

 Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria de Granada (ibs.GRANADA), 18012 Granada, Spain

 CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), 28029 Madrid, Spain

Muñoz A:
 School of Social Work, University of Barcelona, 08035 Barcelona, Spain

 Food Observatory, Department of Social Anthropology, University of Barcelona, 08001 Barcelona, Spain

Ferrero-Martinez SI:
 Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sant Joan de Déu University Hospital, 08950 Barcelona, Spain

Larrea-Killinger C:
 CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), 28029 Madrid, Spain

 Food Observatory, Department of Social Anthropology, University of Barcelona, 08001 Barcelona, Spain
ISSN: 16617827





International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
Editorial
MDPI, ST ALBAN-ANLAGE 66, CH-4052 BASEL, SWITZERLAND, Suiza
Tipo de documento: Article
Volumen: 17 Número: 11
Páginas:
WOS Id: 000542629600199
ID de PubMed: 32498397
imagen Green Submitted, gold

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