Knowledge, attitude, and behavior related to secondhand smoke exposure among pregnant women with smoking spouses in Davangere City: A cross-sectional survey

Abstract

Background: Exposure to secondhand smoke among pregnant women is highly prevalent in India. Secondhand smoke exposure is linked with various serious deleterious health problems. Aim: The aim of this study was to assess knowledge, attitude, and behavior related to secondhand smoke exposure among pregnant women with smoking husbands in Davangere city. Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional questionnaire survey was conducted among 245 nonsmoking pregnant women with smoking husbands attending two antenatal clinics in Davanagere city using pretested, validated, investigator-administered closed-ended 18 item questionnaire. Responses to items were placed on a 3-point Likert scale. Statistical significance was set at P 60%). They were unaware of its systemic complications such as cardiac problems, respiratory problems, and cancer. They were unaware of the harmful effects of secondhand tobacco smoke (SHS) on fetus/child (>60%) which indicated poor knowledge of participants toward harmful effects of secondhand smoke exposure majority of participants showed favorable attitude (>50%) and felt the need to get educated regarding SHS. Majority reported positive behavior by refraining themselves from secondhand smoke (>50%). Conclusions: Knowledge regarding secondhand smoke exposure among pregnant women with smoking husbands was poor. Inspite of having favorable attitude and behavior toward avoidance of smoke exposure, majority of women felt helpless in refraining their husbands from smoking.