Background Recent media reports on human studies associating brominated flame retardants (BFRs) in household products in pregnancy with urogenital anomalies in boys and endocrine disruption in both sexes. We sought to explore the perceptions of pregnant women of brominated flame retardant (BFR) exposure, in light of recent media reports on the adverse health effects of BFR exposure prenatally. Methods Pregnant women were recruited for interviews through posters and pamphlets in prenatal clinics, prenatal fairs and community centres. Interviews were audiotaped and transcribed verbatim for Charmaz-based qualitative analysis supported by NVIVO 10?. Results Theoretical sufficiency was reached after analyzing the interviews of 23 pregnant women. Themes co-constructed were: I–Lack of Awareness of BFRs; II–Factors Influencing BFR Exposure; III–Responsibility; IV–Informed Choice. Almost all participants felt it was difficult to make informed choices to avoid BFRs, and wanted communication from clinicians and regulation from governments regarding decreasing BFR exposure. Conclusion Pregnant women in Canada may be unaware of the potential risks of exposure to BFRs. Professional organizations and governments should further study risk associated with BFR exposure in pregnancy and provide educational materials for pregnant women and clinicians regarding BFR exposure.
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机译：背景技术最近的媒体报道了有关人体研究中，将妊娠期家用产品中的溴化阻燃剂（BFR）与男孩的泌尿生殖系统异常以及男女的内分泌紊乱相关联的研究。根据最近的媒体报道，孕妇对溴化阻燃剂（BFR）的不良健康影响，我们试图探索其对溴化阻燃剂（BFR）暴露的看法。方法招募孕妇通过产前诊所，产前集市和社区中心的海报和小册子进行采访。对访谈进行录音和逐字记录，以进行NVIVO 10？支持的基于Charmaz的定性分析。结果通过对23名孕妇的访谈进行分析，达到了理论上的充分性。共同构建的主题有：I –缺乏BFR意识; II –影响BFR暴露的因素; III –责任; IV –明智的选择。几乎所有参与者都感到很难做出明智的选择来避免BFR，并希望临床医生与政府就减少BFR暴露进行沟通。结论加拿大的孕妇可能没有意识到接触BFR的潜在风险。专业组织和政府应进一步研究与孕妇接触BFR有关的风险，并为孕妇和临床医生提供有关BFR接触的教育材料。
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