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Methylmercury risk communication needs among women of childbearing age
(Montana State University - Bozeman, College of Nursing, 2007) Willcut, John Lance; Chairperson, Graduate Committee: Sandra Kuntz
While the consumption of fish is an essential part of the human diet, there are certain environmental toxins that reside within the earth's watersheds. One toxin in particular, methylmercury (MeHg) has been linked to neurotoxicity and consequent neuro-developmental health effects in growing fetuses and young children, even in minute doses. MeHg is known to accumulate in fish and fish products and with their consumption by women of childbearing age (WCBA), growing fetuses and young children are possibly placed in harm's way. To help prevent these health threats from occurring, guidelines and recommendations are placed into fish advisories by governmental agencies (federal, state, and tribal) through the application of the precautionary principle. The purpose of this study was to describe the risk communication status of the Montana fish consumption advisory in non-Native American women of childbearing age residing on an open reservation. Variables studied included fish consumption patterns, advisory awareness, risk awareness, and risk communication preferences. Secondary analysis of data compiled through a pilot study provided the cohort (n = 10) for this study.