Prevalence of Smoking During Pregnancy and Associated Factors: A Descriptive and Cross-Sectional Study

This study aims to determine the prevalence of smoking during pregnancy and to identify associated factors. This descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted between February 12, 2024, and January 17, 2025, in the Obstetrics and Gynecology Outpatient Clinics of a public hospital located in the Anatolian region of Türkiye. The study population consisted of pregnant women attending these outpatient clinics, and the sample comprised 687 voluntary participants selected using a convenience sampling method. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using a sociodemographic characteristics form and a questionnaire assessing individual characteristics related to smoking behavior. In addition to descriptive statistics, chi-square tests and logistic regression analyses were performed. Statistical significance was set at p<.05. Among the participants, 20.4% reported smoking during pregnancy. Statistically significant associations were found between smoking behavior and educational level, economic status, number of pregnancies, gestational week, history of pregnancy complications, antenatal care utilization, pre-pregnancy smoking status, intention to quit smoking, presence of smokers in the household, and location of smoking within the home (p<.05). Logistic regression analysis revealed that educational level (OR=0.057; 95% CI: 0.009-0.355), gestational week (OR=0.947; 95% CI: 0.928-0.966), history of pregnancy complications (OR=0.006; 95% CI: 0.000-0.221), and the presence of smokers in the household (OR=0.084; 95% CI: 0.009-0.745) were significantly associated with smoking during pregnancy. The findings indicate that smoking behavior during pregnancy is associated with sociodemographic, obstetric, and environmental factors. Smoking cessation interventions during pregnancy should not focus solely on the individual but should also address the family and household environment. Strengthening individualized smoking cessation counseling within antenatal care services and expanding family-based interventions may contribute to the protection of maternal and infant health.