Pregnancy associated smoking behavior and six year postpartum recall

This study examined predictors and behaviors of pregnancy-related smoking among women who belonged to a private health maintenance organization and the recall accuracy of pregnancy-related smoking behaviors after 6-years.

A cohort of 725 pregnant women was followed for six years. Major predictors for smoking behavior before, during, and one-year following pregnancy were determined. In addition, accuracy of recall six years postpartum of smoking behavior at the time of pregnancy and one-year postpartum was tested.

Mother's education, asthma status, amount of pre-pregnancy smoking, gravidity, and father's smoking status were important in the prediction of pregnancy associated smoking. Agreement for recall of smoking behavior during pregnancy (6 year recall) and one-year postpartum (5 year recall) were 90% and 91%, respectively.

Despite potentially adverse outcomes, a proportion of women continue to smoke throughout pregnancy. A number of variables proved to be important predictors of pregnancy associated smoking behavior. These factors should be considered by smoking cessation programs targeting women of reproductive age. Additionally, there was substantial agreement for maternal recall at six years postpartum of smoking behavior at the time of pregnancy and one-year postpartum. This should be considered in retrospective study designs that are primarily based on maternal recall of smoking behaviors before, during, and following pregnancy.