A study to assess the magnitude of exposure to secondhand smoke among antenatal mothers in an urban slum of central Karnataka

Abstract

Introduction: Secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure in reproductive-age women can cause adverse reproductive health outcomes similar to active tobacco smoking such as pregnancy complications, fetal growth restriction, preterm delivery, stillbirths, and infant death. Nearly 56% of the reproductive-age women in the World Health Organization South-East Asian region are exposed to SHS. However, no data is available on exposure to SHS among pregnant mothers, especially in urban slums. Objectives: The objective was to assess the magnitude of exposure to SHS among antenatal mothers in an urban slum and their knowledge regarding hazards of exposure to SHS on them and fetus. Material and Methods: After obtaining ethical clearance, 418 antenatal mothers who visited the antenatal clinic in an urban slum were included. Data regarding exposure to SHS were collected. Their knowledge on hazards of exposure to SHS on both mother and fetus was also collected. Results: Majority were in the age group of 21–25 years (55.5%), studied up to high school (40.7%), and were homemakers (72.1%). Among the 418 antenatal mothers, 277 (66.27%) were exposed to secondhand smoke; 199 (47.61%) at public places, 53 (12.68%) at their homes, and 25 (5.98%) at their workplaces. Only half of the study participants were aware that SHS is injurious to health of the individual, and only 24.4% of the study participants were aware that SHS is also injurious to fetal health. Conclusion: Exposure to SHS among the study participants was high (66.27%), and the awareness regarding the harmful effects of SHS on the health of the mother and fetus among the participants was poor.