Acculturation and endocrine disrupting chemical-associated personal care product use among US-based foreign-born Chinese women of reproductive age

J Expo Sci Environ Epidemiol. 2021 Mar;31(2):224-232. doi: 10.1038/s41370-020-00279-0. Epub 2020 Nov 24.

Abstract

Background: Personal care products (PCPs) are an important source of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) linked to adverse reproductive health outcomes.

Objective: We evaluated EDC-associated PCP use and acculturation among Asian women.

Methods: Our study included 227 foreign-born Chinese women ages 18-45 seeking obstetrics-gynecology care at community health centers (Boston, MA). Acculturation was measured by English-language use, length of US residence, and age at US entry. Self-reported use of PCPs (crème rinse/conditioner, shampoo, perfume/cologne, bar soap/body wash, liquid hand soap, moisturizer/lotion, colored cosmetics, sunscreen, and nail polish) in the last 48 h was collected. Latent class analysis was used to identify usage patterns. We also conducted multivariable logistic to determine the cross-sectional associations of acculturation measures and the use of individual PCP types.

Results: Those who used more PCP types, overall and by each type, tended to be more acculturated. Women who could speak English had 2.77 (95% CI: 1.10-7.76) times the odds of being high PCP users compared to their non-English speaking counterparts. English-language use was associated with higher odds of using perfume/cologne and nail polish.

Significance: Our findings give insight about EDC-associated PCP use based on acculturation status, which can contribute to changes in immigrant health and health disparities.

Keywords: Asian Americans; Asian Continental Ancestry Group; acculturation; cosmetics; endocrine disruptors; personal care products.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Intramural

MeSH terms

  • Acculturation
  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Boston
  • China
  • Cosmetics*
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Endocrine Disruptors* / adverse effects
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Language
  • Middle Aged
  • Pregnancy
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Cosmetics
  • Endocrine Disruptors