title: Perceptions by pregnant and childbearing-age women in southern Brazil towards teratogenic risk from medicines and radiotherapy.
abstract: Mistaken perception of teratogenic risk can keep pregnant women from using safe medicines. The current study analyzed women's concepts and perceptions towards teratogenic risk from medicines and exposure to radiotherapy during pregnancy. The quantitative data resulted from interviews with 287 pregnant and non-pregnant women. Two qualitative focus groups were conducted. No significant differences were observed between the two groups in terms of perceptions of teratogenic risk. Median perceptions of non-teratogenic exposures (paracetamol and metoclopramide) were close to the expected values, while higher values were found for teratogenic exposures (misoprostol and radiotherapy). The logic women used to estimate risk was classification of medicines as "strong" or "weak". Medicines perceived as "weak" by the women do not pose any teratogenic risk, as shown by the median perceptions close to the true values. Meanwhile, "strong" medicines were viewed as dangerous, thus explaining the high median perceptions of teratogenic exposures.
authors.forename: Emilia da Silva
authors.initials: Eda S
authors.lastname: Pons
authors.forename: Tatiane da Silva Dal
authors.initials: Tda S
authors.lastname: Pizzol
authors.forename: Daniela Riva
authors.initials: DR
authors.lastname: Knauth
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D010465:Perception; D011247:Pregnancy; D055553:Prescription Drugs / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011878:Radiotherapy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D013723:Teratogens / Q000633:toxicity*; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D055553:Prescription Drugs; D013723:Teratogens