The psychosocial characteristics of pregnant smoking women

Abstract

Maternal smoking is a leading preventable cause of poor pregnancy outcomes and infant health problems. However, data show that this problem remains unresolved and better understanding of smoking related psychological and social conditions within different cultural context remains urgent. Objective: The aim of the study was to define the psychosocial profile of pregnant cigarette smokers. Method: The analysis is based on the data of longitudinal study on prenatal and postnatal infant mental health factors started in Lithuania in 2009. A sample of 611 women completed self-administered questionnaires about emotional well-being, lifestyle and psychosocial family context during delivery hospital stay. Results: Non-regular smoking during pregnancy was reported by 10.3 % and regular smoking by 5.4% of respondents. Smoking during pregnancy was more prevalent among young (15–19 year old), less educated and living in nonregistered marriage mothers. In comparison to nonsmokers, they had reported higher levels of depressive symptoms, more frequent previous abortions and alcohol consumption during pregnancy. They were less prone to breastfeed baby after delivery and considered abortion possibility during the current pregnancy more frequently. Conclusion: Smoking during pregnancy is related to young age, social difficulties and bad psychoemotional state of mothers. Psychosocial approach is the key factor in the prenatal smoking intervention programs.