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Factors that influence changes in smoking behaviour during pregnancy
Deborah McLeod1, Susan Pullon, Timothy Cookson
1General Practice Department, Wellington School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wellington, New Zealand. dmcleod@wnmeds.ac.nz
The New Zealand Medical Journal
|May 13, 2003
Summary
Socioeconomically deprived pregnant women are more likely to continue smoking past the first trimester. Targeted smoking cessation support is crucial for these women.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Reproductive Health
- Sociology
Background:
- Smoking during pregnancy poses significant risks to both maternal and fetal health.
- Understanding factors influencing smoking cessation in pregnant women is vital for effective public health interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify characteristics of pregnant women who continue smoking beyond the first trimester.
- To explore socio-demographic variables associated with sustained smoking in pregnancy.
Main Methods:
- A postal questionnaire survey was administered to 1283 pregnant women upon registration with maternity care providers.
- Logistic regression analysis was employed to determine factors associated with smoking and smoking cessation.
- Data collection focused on smoking status and timing of cessation, particularly within the first trimester.
Main Results:
- Of 829 respondents, 183 (22.2%) smoked at conception, and 49 (26.8%) of these quit in the first trimester.
- Factors associated with quitting included current employment, first pregnancy, and experiencing nausea.
- Conversely, holding a community services card, being Māori, and having a partner who smoked were associated with a lower likelihood of quitting.
Conclusions:
- Socioeconomic deprivation is a significant factor linked to continued smoking in late pregnancy.
- Smoking cessation support programs require tailored approaches considering socioeconomic status and other identified barriers.