Factors associated with tobacco use prior to pregnancy among women surveyed in nine developing countries

Background: Data on tobacco use by pregnant women in developing countries is sparse. The Global Network for Women's and Children's Health Research implemented a Tobacco Use Survey of Pregnant Women in nine developing countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America to document the prevalence of tobacco use during pregnancy and information on the knowledge and attitudes regarding tobacco, health hazards of tobacco use, and environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) exposure.

Objective: To assess having ever tried and having ever been a regular user of tobacco products prior to pregnancy and to evaluate factors associated with these categories of use. Understanding these factors may help the development of tobacco use prevention and control efforts for vulnerable populations.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey of pregnant women was conducted using a convenience sample in each of 10 study sites. Logistic regression was performed separately for each site to examine associations with tobacco use prior to pregnancy. Odds ratios and confidence intervals were calculated.

Results: Among the study sites, the proportion of respondents that ever tried tobacco products ranged from 9.0% to 78% and that reported regular use from <1% to 53%. Tobacco use in the home, ETS exposure, women's acceptability of tobacco use, and education were found to be significantly associated with having ever tried and having ever been a regular tobacco user at more than half of the study sites.

Conclusion: Results may be used to guide the development and testing of customized interventions to reduce the vulnerability of women and children to ETS.