A mixed-methods field study on pregnant women’s awareness of microplastic pollution

Abstract Aim This study was conducted to assess pregnant women’s awareness of microplastic pollution, examine differences in awareness according to sociodemographic and selected healthcare-related characteristics, and explore participants’ information sources, risk perceptions, and educational needs related to the issue. Methods This cross-sectional study employed an explanatory sequential mixed-methods design and was conducted with 126 pregnant women attending the obstetrics and gynecology outpatient clinic of a city hospital in Istanbul, Türkiye. Quantitative data were collected using the Microplastic Pollution Awareness Scale , while qualitative data were obtained through semi-structured in-depth interviews with 15 pregnant women. In addition to descriptive statistics, the data were analyzed using independent samples t -tests, one-way ANOVA, correlation analyses, and thematic analysis. Effect sizes were calculated using Cohen’s d for t -tests and eta-squared for ANOVA. 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were reported alongside p -values. No biological specimens were collected, and neither objective knowledge nor protective behaviour was measured. Results The mean awareness score was 9.78 ± 2.57, which was below the theoretical midpoint of the scale (14; possible range: 0–28), suggesting a relatively low level of awareness among the participating pregnant women. Significant differences in total and/or subdimension awareness scores were observed according to educational level, occupation, household income, interest in environmental issues, regular physician follow-up, and prior familiarity with the concept of microplastics ( p < 0.05). Social media was the most frequently reported source of information regarding microplastics. Qualitative findings indicated that participants’ self-reported familiarity with the subject remained superficial, while they expressed a need for greater education and guidance from healthcare professionals. Conclusion The mean awareness score was below the theoretical midpoint of the scale, suggesting a relatively low level of awareness among the participating pregnant women. Significant differences in awareness scores were observed across several sociodemographic, environmental, and healthcare-related characteristics. Structured educational approaches addressing environmental health and microplastic pollution could be considered within antenatal care. Because objective knowledge, protective behaviour, and biological microplastic exposure were not measured, these findings should be interpreted as reflecting awareness and perceptions rather than knowledge, behaviour, or exposure. Clinical trial number Not applicable.