Maternal passive smoking before and during pregnancy and the avoidance of secondhand smoke

Abstract

There are no previous studies on Secondhand Smoke (SHS) exposure among Chinese pregnant women in the Macao Special Administration Region of China. Due to cultural factors and to a limited tobacco control policy, this group of women is particularly vulnerable to SHS exposure. The aim of the present study was to examine SHS exposure before and during pregnancy, the actions taken to avoid exposure, and the risk factors of maternal SHS exposure in Macao. This was a retrospective cross-sectional study, which was conducted in a postnatal ward of a public hospital in Macao from August to October 2012. A self-administered questionnaire was completed by 679 non-smoking postpartum women. The prevalence of SHS exposure was 49.8%. The proportion of spouses and family members who smoked around the women, of households that allowed smoking at home, and the duration and frequency of maternal SHS exposure throughout pregnancy was 49.8% (n=660). The proportion of participants who took action to avoid exposure during pregnancy (94.9%) also significantly increased when compared to before their pregnancy (84.1%). Risk factors of maternal SHS exposure included working in casinos/entertainment venues, the smoking status of family members, the participants’ level of education, confidence in avoiding SHS exposure, and working status. Completely smoke-free work sites and home environments should be promoted to protect maternal and fetal health.