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Maternal smoking during pregnancy predicts nicotine disorder (dependence or withdrawal) in young adults - a birth

Frances V O'Callaghan1, Abdullah Al Mamun, Michael O'Callaghan

  • 1School of Psychology, Griffith University, Queensland. f.ocallaghan@griffth.edu.au

Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health
|August 20, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Maternal smoking during pregnancy increases the risk of nicotine dependence and withdrawal in offspring by age 21. These findings highlight the critical need for smoking cessation support for pregnant women.

Area of Science:

  • Reproductive Health
  • Addiction Medicine
  • Developmental Psychology

Background:

  • Maternal smoking during pregnancy is a significant public health concern with potential long-term consequences for offspring.
  • Nicotine exposure in utero may affect neurodevelopment, predisposing individuals to substance use disorders later in life.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine if maternal smoking during pregnancy is a predictor of nicotine disorder (dependence or withdrawal) in offspring at 21 years of age.

Main Methods:

  • A prospective birth cohort of 7,223 singleton children was established.
  • A sub-cohort of 2,571 participants completed the Composite International Diagnostic Interview-computerised version (CIDI-Auto) at 21-year follow-up to assess nicotine dependence and withdrawal based on DSM-IV criteria.

Main Results:

  • 12.8% of offspring met criteria for nicotine dependence, and 8.5% met criteria for withdrawal.
  • 16.6% of offspring met criteria for either nicotine dependence or withdrawal.
  • Offspring of mothers who smoked during pregnancy were significantly more likely to develop nicotine dependence or withdrawal at age 21 (age-adjusted odds ratio 1.53).

Conclusions:

  • Maternal smoking during pregnancy has lasting adverse effects, contributing to nicotine dependence in young adult offspring.
  • Public health initiatives should emphasize the importance of smoking cessation during pregnancy due to these long-term health implications for children.
  • Enhanced support services are needed for pregnant smokers and women of childbearing age to quit smoking.
Abstract

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