The impact of an online educational program to reduce second-hand exposure to smoke among nonsmoking pregnant women; a hospital-based intervention study.

BACKGROUND

Second-hand smoke is recognized as a public health concern, especially for pregnant women.

OBJECTIVES

To compare pregnant women's exposure and perceptions of SHS pre-and post-intervention.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study was conducted with a sample of 32 pregnant women at a tertiary university hospital in Jordan. Using a semi-structured questionnaire, researchers asked women about their knowledge, attitude and behavior regarding prenatal exposure to smoke before and after an intervention that included motivation, communication, education and counselling by using a range of media. A cotinine test was conducted to measure levels in second-hand smokers.

RESULTS

The average maternal age was 30.88 ± 1.69 years; 68% were highly educated, 43% were employed, 37% reported not having sufficient income, and 62% did not attend for antenatal care on a regular basis. There was a significant increase in knowledge and awareness regarding second-hand smoking and its effect on pregnancy outcomes after the intervention. More than 90% of pregnant women supported a comprehensive policy in relation to smoking, and 33% of used to leave the room where others smoked. This percentage increased to 70% after the intervention. Cotinine level decreased after the intervention in 81% of cases.

CONCLUSIONS

There is an increase in knowledge and awareness regarding second-hand smoking and its effects on pregnancy outcomes after implementation of an educational intervention.