Knowledge, attitude, and practices of pregnant women in Armenia regarding environmental tobacco smoke (ETS): A qualitative study

Objectives: The aim of the study was to explore the knowledge, attitude and practices of pregnant women regarding ETS.

Methods: In-depth interviews were conducted among 25 pregnant women above 18 years of age registered for prenatal care in the maternal centers of Yerevan and Nor-Hachn, Armenia 2007. Sampling was done by convenience. Interviews were tape-recorded.

Results: The study revealed very poor knowledge on ETS health effects, particularly on pregnant woman and fetus. Although all interviewees expressed negative attitude to ETS exposure, mainly because of respiratory disorders and nausea, they had tolerant behavior toward passive smoking in their households. All of them mentioned no actions to avoid tobacco smoke. Even those few women who realized the danger of smoke and try to avoid it got no results and conflicts in the family. The study showed that social and cultural factors, such as the dominance of males, social hierarchy, and a lack of empowerment of a woman in the family, plays significant role in pregnant women high ETS exposure at households. The study also yielded an absence of information on ETS given by health care providers, specifically by gynecologists and nurses.

Conclusion: This qualitative research offered an opportunity to understand deeply the determinants of high ETS exposure of pregnant woman in the household unit, as well as to reveal social and cultural issues of this problem. The study findings will serve as a scientific base for future policy implication in tobacco control in Armenia.