Non-smoking policies and practices in Norwegian delivery units in 1994.

Abstract

To determine the number of delivery units in Norway that have become smoke free for employees and patients. A pre-categorised questionnaire was sent in September 1994 to the physician or midwife responsible for each of the 68 delivery units in the country. Hospital smoking policies, reported difficulties in implementation, use of nicotine replacement therapy in patients, and provision of information on tobacco-related health hazards to patients. Fifty-six units (82.3%), accounting for 93% of all deliveries in Norway in 1993, responded. Of these, 42 (75%) were smoke-free for employees, and 33 (59%) for patients. Nearly all had become smoke-free after 1990. No significant difference was seen according to type or size of delivery unit. No difficulties in the implementation of policies restricting smoking were reported. Thirty-one (55%) routinely informed patients of the health implications of smoking during pregnancy. Two units offered nicotine replacement therapy to patients. Most Norwegian delivery units were smoke-free for both employees and patients. Provided that the recent trend toward adoption of smoke-free policies continues, all delivery units in Norway should be smoke-free by 1997-1998.