The effect of training about bisphenol-a exposure in pregnancy on maternal urine bisphenol-a level

Bisphenol-A (BPA) is a chemical compound used in large quantities in the manufacture of synthetic polymers. BPA belongs to the class of endocrine disrupting compounds and exhibits hormone-like properties. Low doses of this compound are known to adversely affect the reproductive system, immune system regulation, hormone-dependent cancers and metabolism. The aim of this study is to determine the current exposure by determining bisphenol-A (BPA) levels in pregnant women's urine samples and to examine the effect of training to be applied during pregnancy on urinary BPA level for BPA exposure in pregnancy. The relationship of factors such as storage packaging and demographic characteristics with BPA exposure was examined. For this purpose, pregnant women (n=30) between the ages of 25-49 and in the first trimester without any chronic disease were included in our study. A total of 60 questions about socio-demographic, anthropometric measurements, obstetric characteristics, BPA knowledge level and BPA exposure were administered to the pregnant women as a pre-test. The WHOQOL Bref Quality of Life Scale and the Health Practices in Pregnancy Scale were also evaluate to the pregnant women. After the pre-test applied, the first urine samples from the pregnant women in the first trimester were taken into BPA-free tubes and stored at -80⁰C. After the first urine samples were collected from the pregnant women, training was provided to increase the knowledge about reducing BPA exposure, awareness of the effects of BPA on maternal health, and knowledge on the subject. In this direction, face-to-face training and brochure information in the 1st trimester, refresher, reminder and follow-up trainings were held in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters in line with the needs of the pregnant women. Urine collection from pregnant women in the 1st trimester was repeated in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters. After the third urine samples were taken from the pregnant women, the questionnaire and scales were applied as a post-test. Urine BPA levels were determined by working with the liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC/MS-MS) method of 90 samples collected. In the measurement of BPA level, since the urine concentration in each person can vary, the creatinine level in all samples was also measured and verified, and the data were evaluated. (First trimester: 2.55, second trimester: 2.27, third trimester: 1.58 µg/g creatinine). It was determined that the BPA measurements of the pregnant women in the 3rd Trimester were statistically lower than the 2nd Trimester and 1st Trimester (p<0.05). As a result, it was shown in our study that BPA exposure can be reduced with the trainings. It has been shown that a decrease in BPA exposure and education can lead to an increase in health level and quality of life. In addition, it has been shown that the behaviors that cause exposure are significantly reduced with trainings. It was concluded that the continuity of the trainings applied to reduce BPA exposure is important, the period of a single training does not make a significant difference, but there is a significant difference in the urinary BPA level with the continuation of the reminder trainings. Keywords: Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals, Bisphenol, Pregnant, Education