Antenatal Tobacco Use and Secondhand Smoke Exposure in the Home in India

Antenatal tobacco use and secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure can have grave health consequences. We estimated the prevalence of tobacco use and SHS exposure in the home among pregnant and reproductive age women in India, and identified sociodemographic risk factors.

Data were from the National Family Health Survey-3 (2005-2006), a population-based cross-sectional survey. We measured current tobacco use and SHS exposure in the home, and used logistic regression analysis to identify sociodemographic risk factors.

Nationally, antenatal tobacco use and SHS exposure in the home were reported by 9% and 25% of women, respectively. Tobacco use rates were slightly higher in reproductive age women (11%) than in pregnant women (9%). Common risk factors for tobacco use in pregnant and reproductive age women included older age, lower education, lower socioeconomic status, Scheduled Tribe status, Muslim religion, and rural residence. Being married lowered the risk of tobacco use among pregnant women, but increased the risk among reproductive age women. Antenatal SHS exposure decreased with older age and higher socioeconomic status.

Antenatal tobacco use and SHS exposure in the home is a significant public health problem in India. Programs should target low socioeconomic status pregnant women, including single pregnant mothers.

Antenatal tobacco use and SHS exposure in the home are significant public health problems in India. Intervention strategies should target younger women, single and socioeconomically disadvantaged pregnant women.