Integration of the Integrate, Design, Assess, and Share Framework in Developing the Environmental Health Literacy Toolkit Paraben-Free & Me: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: Endocrine-disrupting chemicals, such as parabens, are commonly found in personal care products (PCPs). Exposure to parabens is linked to several significant health risks, such as reproductive disorders, breast cancer, infertility, and hormone imbalances. Women are particularly vulnerable to these effects due to their higher use of PCPs containing parabens. Despite these risks, Canada lacks regulatory frameworks for the use of parabens in PCPs, relying instead on consumer awareness for reducing exposure. Previous studies have highlighted that many women remain unaware of parabens, exhibiting low risk perception and limited knowledge, which restricts behavior change toward safer choices. Objective: To address this gap, this project developed the Paraben-Free & Me educational toolkit using the integrate, design, assess, and share framework. Methods: Toolkit development methodology involved empathizing with target users, defining specific behaviors, grounding the data in the health belief model, ideating implementation strategies, prototyping, gathering user feedback, and building a minimum viable product. Results: The Paraben-Free & Me toolkit includes multimedia resources such as blog posts, interactive quizzes, videos, podcasts, and forums aimed at increasing knowledge, risk perceptions, and health beliefs and facilitating paraben-free behaviors. Conclusions: This toolkit shows potential to inform women about endocrine-disrupting chemicals, reduce exposures, and improve health outcomes.