Abstract
Objectives
The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence of pregnancyassociated smoking among women residing in three Southern Ontario Health Units and to examine potential risk factors for smoking during pregnancy, using an existing data collection mechanism.
Methods
During May 2001, questions about pregnancy-associated smoking were asked during the telephone follow-up of postpartum women living in the three health units in Southern Ontario; this follow-up is routinely conducted by public health nurses. Sociodemographic data were also obtained. Data from 1,134 women were analyzed concerning smoking before and after the occurrence of the pregnancy was known, during each trimester, and immediately postpartum.
Results
The rates of smoking before and after the pregnancy was known, in the first, second, and third trimesters, and immediately postpartum were 17.8%, 10.4%, 9.6%, 8.7%, 8.1%, and 7.9%, respectively. For all six estimates of smoking, Canadian-born women had rates 2.5 to 4 times higher than those of women born outside Canada. Age less than 25 years and lower educational attainment were also independent risk factors for smoking during pregnancy.
Conclusions
The Ontario Tobacco Strategy goal of eliminating smoking in pregnancy has not yet been realized. Ongoing smoking cessation programs among pregnant women are needed as part of a comprehensive strategy to reduce the overall prevalence of smoking. In planning such programs, particular attention should be paid to the needs of women who are Canadian-born, have lower educational attainment, and are under the age of 25.
Résumé
Objectifs
L’étude visait à déterminer la prévalence du tabagisme associé à la grossesse chez des femmes résidant dans trois services de santé du sud de l’Ontario et à examiner les facteurs de risque potentiels du tabagisme durant la grossesse à l’aide d’un mécanisme de collecte de données existant.
Méthode
En mai 2001, nous avons posé des questions sur le tabagisme associé à la grossesse lors d’un suivi téléphonique auprès de femmes ayant accouché et vivant dans les trois services de santé du sud de l’Ontario; il s’agissait du suivi systématiquement effectué par les infirmières de santé publique. Nous avons également obtenu des données socio-démographiques. Nous avons analysé les réponses de 1 134 femmes aux questions sur le tabagisme avant et après l’annonce de la grossesse, à chaque trimestre et tout de suite après l’accouchement.
Résultats
Les taux de tabagisme étaient de 17,8 % avant et de 10,4 % après l’annonce de la grossesse, de 9,6 % au premier trimestre, de 8,7 % au deuxième trimestre, de 8,1 % au troisième trimestre et de 7,9 % tout de suite après l’accouchement. Pour ces six estimations, les femmes nées au Canada avaient des taux de tabagisme de 2,5 à 4 fois supérieurs à ceux des femmes nées à l’étranger. Le fait d’avoir moins de 25 ans et un faible niveau d’instruction étaient aussi des facteurs de risque indépendants du tabagisme durant la grossesse.
Conclusions
L’objectif de la Stratégie antitabac de l’Ontario, qui est d’éliminer le tabagisme durant la grossesse, n’est pas encore atteint. Il faudrait offrir aux femmes enceintes des programmes continus de renoncement au tabac dans le cadre d’une stratégie globale de réduction de la prévalence du tabagisme. En planifiant de tels programmes, il faudrait accorder une attention particulière aux besoins des femmes de moins de 25 ans nées au Canada dont le niveau d’instruction est faible.
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Johnson, I.L., Ashley, M.J., Reynolds, D. et al. Prevalence of Smoking Associated with Pregnancy in Three Southern Ontario Health Units. Can J Public Health 95, 209–213 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03403651
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03403651