A joint effort of the state health department and a community to investigate potential mercury exposure through fish consumption and to implement education to the public

Background: Consumption of contaminated fish is a primary source of mercury (Hg) exposure. Race differences and predictive factors of Hg are unknown. This project compared fish eating patterns and knowledge of fish warnings/benefits between Chinese and non-Chinese American adults to develop a culturally-sensitive education tool regarding fish consumption and reducing Hg exposure.

Methods: In this cross-sectional study, self-administered questionnaires consisting of demographics, fish consumption (species, amount, frequency, etc), and knowledge of fish warnings/benefits were distributed in the local Chinese Community Center and a reference group. Fish species were grouped into 4 categories based on potential Hg contamination (high, moderately high, low, very low). Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted.

Results: Response rates were 74% (Chinese) and 60% (non-Chinese). 99% of Chinese and 94% of non-Chinese reported eating fish in the last year. 40% of Chinese and 25% of non-Chinese ate fish 2+ times/week. Non-Chinese reported a higher proportion (63%) eating high Hg fish than Chinese (36%). 50% of Chinese and 87% of non-Chinese heard warnings about eating fish; over 90% of both groups heard benefits. Consuming high Hg fish was associated with higher fish consumption/week (Odds Ratio (OR)=1.38), fish purchased from a supermarket (OR=3.1) or an Asian market (OR=2.4), and being non-Chinese. Being aware of warnings did not affect fish-eating behavior.

Conclusions: Chinese adults eat fish more often, but more non-Chinese eat high Hg fish; even though more non-Chinese were aware of warnings. Results will be used to develop interventions to convey appropriate messages about fish consumption benefits and hazards.