Factors Influencing Endocrine-Disrupting Chemical (EDC) Exposure Risk Behaviors in Female High School Students

This study aims to examine lifestyle habits, endocrine-disrupting chemical (EDC) exposure risk behaviors, knowledge, and awareness related to EDCs among female high school students and to identify factors influencing EDC exposure risk behaviors.Data was collected from July 1 to September 31, 2024, targeting students enrolled in four girls' high schools in Cities C and D, with a final sample of 196 participants.The collected data were analyzed using frequency and percentage, mean and standard deviation, and Pearson correlation coefficient.Multiple regression analysis was performed to identify factors influencing EDC exposure risk behaviors.The results showed that the average EDC exposure risk behaviors score among high school students was 2.37 out of 5.There was a significant negative correlation between EDC exposure risk behaviors and knowledge (r=-.243,p=.001) and awareness (r=-.244,p=.001).The major influencing factors of EDC exposure risk behaviors were the frequency of consuming delivered food and canned beverages, knowledge related to EDCs, and awareness related to EDCs.The model's explanatory power was 24.8% (F=11.71,p<.001).This study provides a basis for developing EDC prevention education programs and serves as fundamental data for program development.