Tobacco. Smoking patterns during pregnancy: differences in socioeconomic and health-related variables

Abstract

Background: The objective of this study was to assess different smoking patterns during and after pregnancy and relate these patterns to socioeconomic conditions and different health issues such as symptoms, drug consumption and health care use. Methods: The study group included 337 pregnant women from a district in south Sweden. A questionnaire was filled in during the first part of pregnancy and an interview was conducted after the baby was born. The women were categorised according to their smoking habits. Results: The categories defined were continuers, relapsers, decreasers, quitters and non-smokers. Among relapsers three symptoms, difficulty in relaxing (OR 4.48), restlessness (OR 9.59) and dysphoria (OR 3.98), were more common than among non-smokers. All three musculoskeletal symptoms were most common among continuers. Among quitters the OR for backache was 2.05, for numbness In the arms and legs 2.76 and for tearfulness 2.92. Educational level was relatively high among quitters and few had a smoking partner. Among smokers (decreasers, relapsers and continuers) 24% used drugs regularly, compared to 5% among non-smokers. Conclusions: To prevent smoking during pregnancy awareness of the relations between different smoking categories and symptoms could make it easier for hearth personnel to individualise support. A possible starting point is to discuss how to cope with different symptoms occurring during smoking cessation. Women with predictors for continued smoking during pregnancy, such as low education, unemployment, a smoking partner and multiparous, should be focused on more intensively and preventive strategies suitable for their special needs should be developed.