Concern regarding the potential for developmental health risks associated with certain chemicals (e.g., phthalates, antibacterials) used in personal care products is well documented; however, current exposure data for pregnant women are limited. The objective of this study was to describe the pattern of personal care product use in pregnancy and the post-partum period. Usage patterns of personal care products were collected at six different time points during pregnancy and once in the postpartum period for a cohort of 80 pregnant women in Ottawa, Canada. The pattern of use was then described and groups of personal care product groups commonly used together were identified using hierarchical cluster analysis. The results showed that product use varied by income and country of birth. General hygiene products were the most commonly used products and were consistently used over time while cosmetic product use declined with advancing pregnancy and post-delivery. Hand soaps and baby products were reported as used more frequently after birth. This study is the first to track personal care product use across pregnancy and into the postpartum period, and suggests that pregnant populations may be a unique group of personal care product users. This information will be useful for exposure assessments.
Background The use of hand sanitizers has been one of the key public health measures recommended to reduce the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 during the pandemic. As such, its daily use among the general population has reportedly increased dramatically since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Objective To better understand the impact of this recommendation, hand sanitizer use, including the frequency and amount handled, was examined among adults in a non-occupational setting and children in both the home and school/childcare settings. Methods An online survey of Canadians (conducted from September to October 2021) was employed to estimate use frequency, amount, and pattern of hand sanitizer use. Results Responses were received from 655 adults in the general population and 298 teachers of children up to the age of 18 years. The frequency of hand sanitizer use during the pandemic was found to be as high as 25 times per day in children and over 9 times per day in adults. Notable differences were found when comparing the frequency of hand sanitizer use by children in the home to children in a school or childcare setting. Significance This is the first study, known to the authors, examining hand sanitizer use among children during the pandemic, including use in a childcare or school setting. This study illustrates the importance of examining the change in consumer behaviors during a pandemic and the need to look beyond the home when attempting to understand product use patterns in children. Impact statement This research explores uses of hand sanitizer, before and during pandemic conditions, in the general population of Canada with a particular focus on use among children. The results can be used to estimate exposure to chemicals in hand sanitizer from non-occupational use in Canada and among similar populations and signal the importance of examining changing consumer behaviors and use of consumer products in school settings, especially among children.
AimsTeenagers with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) often present with significant comorbidity and engaging them is a difficult task. There is an unmet need to shape a teen-friendly service. We sought to:1. Ascertain teenagers’ views about our ADHD service.2. Quantify their knowledge of ADHD.3. Use these results to develop a patient-centred teen-friendly serviceMethodsA 20-question web survey was designed using the ‘SurveyMonkey’ website, for adolescent ADHD patients aged 12 to 18 years. The questions included preference for clinic duration and slots, understanding of ADHD, whether they were involved in decision making and their views on improving the service. After obtaining consent from both parents or carers and adolescents, the survey was conducted by web link via text message or email. Surveys were also completed in clinic using a computer or paper-based questionnaire.Results40 adolescent patients with ADHD (30 boys and 10 girls) completed the survey. 42.5% (n=17) indicated preference for a morning clinic and 60% (n=24) did not wish to attend during school holidays. 55% (n=22) of teenagers were unwilling to see the doctor on their own, while 15% (n=6) felt rushed and wanted a longer follow-up appointment. A majority, 57.5% (n=23) were happy to discuss lifestyle issues including smoking and alcohol. 50% (n=20) of respondents felt they suffered from sleep deprivation and 22.5% (n=9) admitted missing their medication occasionally or often. Pleasantly, 85% (n=34) of teenagers were satisfied they were listened to and 95% (n=38) confirmed that they were involved in decisions about their care. Unfortunately, only 20% (n=8) of teenagers reported having good knowledge about ADHD. 32.5% (n=13) were not aware of different treatment options, while 20% (n=8) lacked knowledge of medication side effects. Less than half, 47.5% (n=19) were provided with written information about their medical condition.ConclusionsFollowing adolescent patients’ feedback about our service, we have identified significant gaps in their knowledge of ADHD, as well as evidence of poor compliance with medications. We have used these results to design and pilot teen-friendly clinics to address these issues and will continue to ensure we engage and empower teenagers to make them partners in managing their ADHD.
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