Abstract
Objective: To explore factors related to the continuation of smoking among pregnant women.
Methods: The study population of this cross-sectional study consisted of pregnant women who visited the health center in a Japanese city between April 1, 2004, and March 31, 2006, to officially register their pregnancy. A total of 2,533 among 2,536 eligible pregnant women (99.9%) participated in the study. Using a self-administered questionnaire, 2,511 (99.0%) valid responses were collected. Factors associated with the continuation of smoking at pregnancy notification were investigated using χ2tests. Multivariate logistic regression analysis with forced entry was then performed, using independent variables selected from the survey items based on bivariate analyses and smoking status at pregnancy notification as the dependent variable.
Results: Current smokers numbered 232 (9.2%), and 397 (15.8%) women quit smoking after learning they were pregnant. Continuation of smoking at pregnancy notification was significantly associated with the following four variables: partner's smoking, family budget concerns, having at least one previous pregnancy, and submitting notification in the twelfth week of pregnancy or later.
Conclusion: Efforts to reduce the smoking rate among partners of pregnant women and to resolve economic anxiety may be effective strategies to reduce the number of pregnant women who continue to smoke after officially registering their pregnancy.
