Smoking during pregnancy; an epidemiologic study of knowledge and behavior in Caucasian women

Abstract

Introduction. Although it is an easily avoidable lifestyle, tobacco use during pregnancy is an important chronic health care problem, potentially leading to severe pregnancy complications for both mother and infant. Objectives. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the level of knowledge regarding the effects of tobacco smoking during pregnancy. Methods. An online self-report questionnaire was administered using social networks and websites to women who were pregnant or who had recently given birth. Results. 1357 women were eligible to be included in the study. 919 women smoked during their pregnancy, 105 smoked but stopped before pregnancy (former smoker) and 333 never smoked cigarettes in their life. Comorbidities were found in 11.4% of active smokers group, 10.5 % (p=0.758) in the former smokers’ group and 8.1% (p=0.224) in the never smokers’ group. In addition, 33.8% of active smokers, 42.9% among former smokers and 31.5 % of never smokers had a good knowledge about smoking effects. Unfortunately, about 67% of them continued to smoke, even though they knew that nicotine passes into breast milk. The other women reduced the number of cigarettes or even quit smoking, usually with the encouragement and support of close people. Conclusions. Both passive and active smoking during pregnancy is a serious health problem that must be addressed through rigorous health programs, which must include (but not necessarily be limited to) behavioral therapy.

Keywords

• pregnancy
• smoking
• tobacco effects
• epidemiologic study
• online survey