Self Exposure to Secondhand Smoke among Prenatal Smokers, Abstainers, and Nonsmokers

Purpose. Prenatal smoking cessation will not eliminate health risks if women continue to be exposed to passive smoking. This study compared the risks of secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure for low-income prenatal nonsmokers, abstainers, and smokers. Methods. A questionnaire was administered to 225 pregnant women. Exposure to six sources of SHS was compared across smoking groups using chi-square and multivariate logistic regression. Results. In adjusted analyses, patterns of SHS exposure were consistent. Abstainers were at lower risk of exposure than smokers for all sources except for having a partner who smoked. Abstainers were at higher risk of exposure than nonsmokers for most sources. For example, 11.7% of nonsmokers were exposed to <4 hours of SHS daily compared with 33.3% of abstainers (adjusted odds ratio = .32, 95% confidence interval = .12-.88). Mean number of exposures for nonsmokers, abstainers, and smokers were 1.4, 2.7, and 4.2, respectively (p < .001). Discussion. Interventions need to address the full range of health risks posed by cigarette smoke exposure during pregnancy.