Impact of Mercury Exposure on Health-Related Quality of Life during Pregnancy in Suriname

摘要

Background: The abundant use of mercury in illegal gold mining in Suriname's interior is of growing concern. The Caribbean Consortium for Research in Environmental and Occupational Health is assessing exposure to Hg in pregnant women and their offspring. This study evaluated the association between Hg levels, perceived health and Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) in Surinamese pregnant women. Methods: Data of 311 pregnant women were analyzed using standardized questionnaires completed during early pregnancy. HRQoL was assessed using seven out of eight scales from the Rand SF-36: physical functioning, role physical, bodily pain, vitality, general health, role emotional and mental health (high scores indicates good health). Perceived health was measured with a 5-point Likert scale. The association among Hg, perceived health, and HRQoL were assessed with adjustment for maternal sociodemographic factors. Results: 83 women (26.7%) had elevated Hg levels that exceeded the USEPA action level (1.1 μg/g); no significant association was observed with perceived health and HRQoL. 75.9% of the women with elevated mercury levels had a good perceived health, compared with 71.1% of the women with normal Hg levels (p=0.47). Perceived health was significantly associated with each HRQoL scale (p<0.01). For each scale higher mean scale scores were observed among women with elevated Hg levels, except for vitality and mental health; Cohen's effect sizes were small (0.04-0.11). Bivariate analyses showed a borderline association between education (secondary or lower vs. higher) and perceived health (OR: 2.0; 95%CI: 0.95-4.08); and region (interior vs. else) and perceived health (OR: 3.4; 95%CI: 0.90-13.0). Conclusion: One out of four pregnant Surinamese women had hair Hg levels above the USEPA action level; these were not associated with lower HRQoL scores and poor perceived health during early pregnancy.