Fish Consumption Advisory Awareness and Behavior Among Asian Women of Childbearing Age - Milwaukee, Wisconsin,...

Asian persons in the Milwaukee, Wisconsin, area might be more susceptible to contaminant exposure because of high consumption of local sportfish and store-purchased fish. This is a particular risk to women who are pregnant or might become pregnant and breastfeeding women because of health risks to the developing fetus or child's neurological system.

We conducted a survey among women of childbearing age from 4 Asian ethnic groups (Hmong, Karen, Chinese, and Filipino) residing in the Milwaukee area to assess self-reported fish consumption from different sources, fish preparation behaviors, fish consumption behaviors during pregnancy and breastfeeding, and awareness of local and national fish consumption advisories and limits.

Participants included 153 women aged 18 to 50 years. Seventy-one (46%) had consumed ≥1 sport-caught or store-purchased species at levels above a local, state, or federal advisory. Participants reported consuming a median of 11 Wisconsin sportfish and 24 store-purchased fish meals each year. Approximately half of participants reported reducing fish consumption or changing fish preparation methods to avoid contaminants. Overall, 62 (41%) were aware of any fish consumption advisory.

Self-reported fish consumption habits among certain Hmong, Karen, Chinese, and Filipino women of child-bearing age were higher than local, state, or federal advisories, and approximately half of participants self-reported awareness of local or federal fish consumption advisories. Reaching Asian diaspora communities with culturally appropriate educational materials regarding safe fish consumption might help reduce contaminant exposure.