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Item Methylmercury risk, awareness, and exposure in recreational anglers(Montana State University - Bozeman, College of Nursing, 2013) Angert, Stephanie Diane; Chairperson, Graduate Committee: Sandra KuntzWhile fish and seafood are a beneficial food source for all ages, some populations are at risk for exposure to environmental pollutants found in fish. Methylmercury is one such toxin found in nearly all fish species. Regular consumption of fish, especially those high in methylmercury, is associated with neurotoxicities in developing fetuses and children and increased risk for cardiovascular disease in adults. National and state fish advisories are established to guide the general population in safe fish-eating practices. Although not commonly studied, research suggests anglers likely have higher exposures to methylmercury due to greater consumption of locally-caught fish. The purpose of this study was to examine fish consumption patterns, fish advisory awareness, risk communication preferences, and actual methylmercury exposure among recreational anglers. Further evaluation was necessary to determine the type, size, amount, and frequency of fish consumed by the anglers, assess awareness of fish consumption advisories, and measure actual methylmercury exposure relative to dietary intake of fish, in order to ascertain whether this population is at risk and in need of a risk communication intervention. A convenience sample was performed with participating recreational anglers (N = 31). A survey completed by the participants examined fish consumption patterns, fish advisory awareness, and risk communication preferences. Biomarker assessment included hair mercury analysis to measure actual methylmercury exposure in the participating angler population (N = 25). Results revealed elevated hair mercury levels in 32% of participants (n = 8). After adjusting for all other variables, anglers who eat northern pike and walleye had significantly higher hair mercury levels (p = 0.009 and p = 0.016 respectively) than those who do not. Additionally, anglers who fish in lakes have higher hair mercury levels than those who do not (p = 0.005). Advisory awareness was not a significant factor after adjusting for all other variables. Additional research is needed to (a) improve the identification of specific routes of exposure (fish species, size, and waterbody) in recreational anglers, (b) identify the health impacts of mercury in the exposed population, and (c) establish effective risk reduction interventions specific for the angler population.Item Fish eating behavior and stages of change in rural, low income, women of childbearing age(Montana State University - Bozeman, College of Nursing, 2009) Heineman, Sara Christine; Chairperson, Graduate Committee: Wade G. Hill; Laura S. Larsson (co-chair)Methyl Mercury (MeHg) is a known neurotoxin associated with poor neurodevelopmental outcomes in children. The primary route of exposure of MeHg in humans is from consumption of contaminated fish. Although some disparities in exposure patterns have been identified, little is known about rural, low income, women of childbearing age and their fish eating behaviors. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between stages of behavioral change in fish eating behavior and self-reported consumption of fish among 106 rural low-income women of childbearing age. Results of the one-way ANOVA do not show a statistically significant difference in fish consumption within the sample based on stage of change. However, many of the participants of this study may be at risk for significant exposures to MeHg based on total fish consumption regardless of their decision to limit fish consumption. Further investigation is needed to determine types and sources of fish being consumed and fully understand exposure risks. Once risks are established, opportunities for prevention can be utilized to reduce impacts from MeHg exposures.Item Methylmercury risk communication needs among women of childbearing age(Montana State University - Bozeman, College of Nursing, 2007) Willcut, John Lance; Chairperson, Graduate Committee: Sandra KuntzWhile 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.