Examining women’s knowledge, health risk perceptions, beliefs and behaviours in relation to toxic chemicals commonly found in personal care and household products: a mixed-methods approach

Many personal care and household products (PCHP) contain toxic chemicals harmful to health. For instance, parabens, commonly found in shampoos, are endocrine disruptors that increase the risk of hormonal and reproductive disorders among women. Despite safer alternatives, research suggests women are unaware of these risks and options. This research used a mixed-methods approach to examine knowledge, health risk perceptions, beliefs, and avoidance behavior of women regarding toxic chemicals in PCHP. It focused on lead, parabens, bisphenol A (BPA), phthalates, triclosan, and perchloroethylene. A questionnaire was administered to 200 women, and 10 women participated in virtual interviews. Multivariate analysis found positive associations between avoidance of lead, parabens, BPA, and phthalates and knowledge, perceived health risks, and harm beliefs. Higher education and chemical sensitivity diagnoses increased lead avoidance. Factors influencing PCHP purchases included price, social media, effectiveness, and brand preference. The study emphasizes enhancing women’s knowledge about PCHP health risks and the importance of safer alternatives.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Health Sciences (MHSc)

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Community, Public and Population Health

Grantor

University of Ontario Institute of Technology

Year dc:date.issued

2024

Author dc:creator

• Trifunovski, Adrianna

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Barakat, Caroline

Language dc:language.iso

en

Handle dc:identifier.uri

https://hdl.handle.net/10155/1835

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:ontariotechu.scholaris.ca:10155/1835