Fish consumption and knowledge of chemical pollutants among a sample of new mothers in Tripoli, Libya

Abstract EN

Fish and fish products are important sources of nutritional elements, especially iodine and unsaturated fatty acids (omega-3).

These are essential for pregnant women and their embryos during a pregnancy period.

However, women and their embryos may be exposed to chemical pollutants when they consume fish.

Therefore, this study aimed to assess the consumption pattern of fish during pre-pregnancy, pregnancy and post-pregnancy periods, and explore the awareness on the chemical pollutants in fish among the women who recently gave birth in Tripoli city, Libya.

This study targeted 370 women randomly in Tripoli city and collected data through a face to face questionnaire.

The questionnaire consisted of three parts: characteristics of new mothers; consumption of fish, crustaceans, mollusks and canned fish; and knowledge on the importance and risks of eating fish and fish products.

The results showed that eating fish, crustaceans, and mollusks once a month was the highest proportion in the three periods with a percentage of 38, 38 and 41%, respectively.

Sardine, sea bream and mackerel were the most fish common consumed by new mothers during the three periods.

More than half of the mothers did not change the pattern of their consumption of fish, crustaceans and/or mollusks during pregnancy as compared to the pre-pregnancy period and after the birth of their children as compared to the pregnancy period.

The canned tuna was the most canned fish consumed by respondents (93%).

More than half of mothers realized that eating fish is important for health in general and for pregnant women with a percentage of 58 and 59%, respectively.

The results of this study showed that there was a great need to raise the awareness of new mothers about chemical pollutants in fish.

Furthermore, effective programs should be adopted by the competent authorities to educate mothers about what types and amounts of fish they should consume during pregnancy and the types that should be avoided.