Factors Related With Hair Nicotine Concentration In Pregnant Women From Arica, A City In Northern Chile

Abstract

Exposure to secondhand smoke during pregnancy exerts adverse effects on fetal health. Chile has one of the highest prevalence of tobacco consumption in Latin America (40,2%). The aim of this study was to assess exposure to secondhand tobacco smoke in pregnant women and to identify major determinants to inform interventions. This is a study in 257 pregnant women recruited during the second trimester in Arica, Chile. Participants completed a questionnaire, and provided a hair sample to measure nicotine concentrations. Hair samples were analyzed at the Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University. Multiple linear regression models were used to identify variables related to hair nicotine concentrations. Hair samples were obtained from 256 participants. 68% of samples had nicotine concentration under the detection limit (0.058 ng/mg). Median hair nicotine concentration was 0.029 ng/mg (interquatile range (IQR) 0.029-0.285 ng/mg), minimum 0.029, maximum 46.03 ng/mg. The hair nicotine concentration was best predicted by the number of cigarettes smoked by family members inside (β 0.029 CI95% 0.021 to 0.038, R2 16%) and outside the home (β 0.011, CI95% 0.005 to 0.017, R2 6%); tobacco consumption during pregnancy (β 2.19, CI95% 0.940 to 3.454, R2 6%); and type of home (home as reference; apartment β -0.07 CI95% -1.54 to 1.39; single room as home β 1.96, CI95% 0.71 to 3.21; R2 4%). It is necessary to implement strategies to reduce tobacco consumption especially in pregnant women. Counseling by health personnel during pregnancy as well as implement rules to prohibit tobacco consumption within the household and around pregnant women could contribute to reduce fetal prenatal exposure.