Cigarette Smoking During Pregnancy: United States, 2016

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Epidemiology
• Reproductive Health

Background:

• Maternal tobacco use during pregnancy is a significant risk factor for adverse infant and child outcomes.
• These outcomes include low birthweight, preterm birth, and congenital anomalies.
• Understanding the prevalence of smoking during pregnancy is crucial for public health interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report the prevalence of cigarette smoking at any time during pregnancy among women who gave birth in the United States in 2016.
• To examine variations in smoking prevalence by state of residence.
• To analyze smoking prevalence based on maternal race and Hispanic origin, age, and educational attainment.

Main Methods:

• Utilizes the 2016 natality data file from the U.S. Standard Certificate of Live Birth.
• This data file includes newly revised items on maternal cigarette smoking before and during pregnancy.
• Data covers all states and the District of Columbia.

Main Results:

• Presents the prevalence of cigarette smoking at any time during pregnancy for births in 2016.
• Provides state-specific prevalence data for maternal smoking.
• Details prevalence by maternal race and Hispanic origin, age, and educational attainment.

Conclusions:

• The 2016 natality data provides comprehensive national and state-level insights into maternal smoking during pregnancy.
• This data is essential for targeted public health strategies to reduce smoking during pregnancy.
• Further research can explore the impact of demographic factors on smoking prevalence and subsequent interventions.