Content area

Full text

 
Headnote

ABSTRACT

AIMS: To investigate patterns of exposure to tobacco smoke in pregnancy among a representative sample of New Zealand women.

METHODS: Analyses of smoking-related data from the first wave of the Growing Up in New Zealand cohort study, ie from the first data-collection point during the antenatal period in 2009-10.

RESULTS: Twenty percent of mothers reporting smoking before pregnancy and 9.9% of mothers continued during pregnancy. These figures were higher in younger women (p<.0001), women with lower educational achievement (p<.001) and Maori women (p<.001). Similarly, being Maori (p<.0001) and having a lower education achievement (p<.0029) were associated with smoking during an unplanned compared to a planned pregnancy. Multiparous mothers were more likely to be smokers than primaparous mothers (11%: 95% Confidence Interval [CI] 10.0-12.1 vs 8.3%: 95% CI 7.2-9.4). Second-hand smoke exposure was more common for younger women (Odds Ratio [OR] 3.2: 95% CI 1.6-6.4), Maori women (OR 1.9: 95% CI 1.4-2.5), and women with unplanned pregnancies (OR 3.4 95% CI 12.0-14.8).

CONCLUSIONS: There are differences in a range of contextual and behavioural factors related to smoking before and during pregnancy. Low educational achievement, being young, Maori and multiparous were all associated with smoking during pregnancy. A better understanding of why these differences exist is needed in order to find appropriate interventions to support women in becoming smoke-free.

Tobacco smoke exposure in pregnancy (maternal smoking and second-hand smoke [SHS] exposure) is one of the single most important preventable risks for maternal, fetal and infant health.1-3 In this paper we present new data on tobacco smoke exposure in pregnancy for New Zealand women.

Maternal smoking during pregnancy

Smoking prevalence in the general population in developed countries has declined more rapidly in recent years compared to developing countries.4 However, globally 22% of the world's adult population are estimated to be current smokers (36% men, 8% women).5 A similar picture is evident in New Zealand, with the prevalence of current smoking declining from 25% in 1996/97 to 18% 2012/13.6 However, the rates of decline in smoking prevalence has been slower for Maori and Pacific Peoples during this period.6 Furthermore, there has been little change in smoking rates over time among pregnant women in New Zealand (19.5% in 2008 versus 18.4% in 20107), particularly if they are Maori,...

Show less