Awareness, attitudes and factors associated with second hand smoke exposure among non-smoking pregnant women attending the ante-natal clinic of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital.

Abstract

Background: The health risks associated with second hand smoke exposure (SHS) are well documented. During pregnancy, inhalation of SHS harms both the mother and her unborn child.
Objectives: The objective of this study was to assess the knowledge of the health effects of SHS, attitudes towards SHS and SHS policy and to determine the level of exposure and the factors associated with SHS exposure among pregnant women attending a tertiary teaching hospital in Lagos Nigeria.
Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out among 422 pregnant non-smoking women attending the ante-natal clinic of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, selected using a systematic random sampling method. Data was collected using pre-tested interviewer administered questionnaires and was analyzed using Epi info 3.5.1
Results: The majority of the respondents knew that inhaling cigarette smoke was harmful to a pregnant woman as well as to the unborn baby, however the knowledge of the specific health risks was generally low. Majority supported a ban on smoking at work and public places nevertheless, majority (71.1%) would permit others to smoke in their presence if asked. A significant proportion (28.4%) of the pregnant women were exposed to second hand tobacco smoke while pregnant. Having family members and co-workers who smoke was significantly associated with exposure. Majority 81.9% of the respondents did not have smoking restrictions within their homes and this was associated with increased exposure to SHS. (p>0.001).
Conclusion: A considerable proportion of these pregnant women are exposed to SHS, particularly those who have family members and co-workers as smokers. Many of them are unaware of the specific health risks associated with SHS in pregnancy and do not have smoking restrictions within their homes. Information on the dangers of SHS in pregnancy and the avoidance of exposure should be incorporated into routine ante-natal health talks. In addition, efforts to protect these women and their unborn babies from the dangers of SHS should be given priority by families, communities, state and national governments.

Key words: Second hand smoke, pregnant women, LUTH