Abstract:
This dissertation describes the results of a survey that was administered to 300
undergraduate and graduate females (ages 18-40) enrolled in courses in the College of
Science at a large mid-Atlantic university and 309 females (18-40) within the general
public at local supermarkets in a mid-Atlantic State. The survey revealed that older women
of childbearing age are more aware of the fish consumption advisories concerning mercury
than are younger women, that of the ethnic groups surveyed, Hispanic women were the
least aware of the fish consumption advisories concerning mercury, that mothers were
more aware of these advisories than non-mothers, and that level of education was a
predictor of awareness.
In addition, mothers were more likely to report reducing their fish intake due to concerns
about mercury than were non-mothers. Furthermore, mothers were more likely than non-mothers
to alter their fish intake because of their awareness of the advisories, though not
always in recommended ways. For example, there is some evidence that some were
eliminating fish, an important source of protein, from their diet. Finally, results showed
that women with more than 2 years of college were more likely to be aware of fish
consumption advisories than were women with less than 2 years of college. These findings
suggest that factors such as motherhood encourage alertness to fish consumption advisories
and that more needs to be done to encourage awareness of the risks associated with
mercury in fish by taking steps such as encouraging mothers and older females to talk
about mercury in fish with younger women and targeting Hispanic and younger women
with information about this health threat using social media and other channels they
monitor.
Finally, the study also reports interviews that were conducted with experts from the
National Fisheries Institute, the US Environmental Protection Agency, and the US Food
and Drug Administration. The interviews focused on the importance of risk assessment,
perception, and management. In the opinion of these experts, the US Environmental
Protection Agency and the US Food and Drug Administration should continue to use fish
consumption advisories concerning mercury to protect human health. However, the
communication methods used need to be constantly evaluated and improved, and
innovative methods of communication are needed.
