Studying factors affecting smoking of women during their pregnancy and postpartum period

Studying Factors Affecting Smoking of Women During Their Pregnancy and Postpartum Period The aim of the study was to investigate factors affecting smoking of women during pregnancy and post-partum period. The sample of the study consisted of 262 mothers who were admitted to pediatric outpatient clinic in GATA teaching and research hospital with their 0-1 year old children, and who had smoked one year before their pregnancy. Data were collected by using ‗question form' and knowledge assessment form', which was prepared to determine knowledge regarding the effects of smoking' developed by the researchers. Total score which may be taken from knowledge assessment form was minimum ‗0' and maximum ‗10'. The data was analyzed by using the SPSS for Windows software. Of women 53.8% quit smoking during their pregnancy, 28.2% of those women again started to smoking at average 4.65±3.52 moths of postpartum. Women thinks that smoking is most harmful for fetus during pregnancy. Although, 35.1% of women had support from health professions related to quit smoking during pregnancy, these rates were lower at the other periods. Smoking behaviors of women was effected by women' perception on harmful effect of smoking on baby, however the behavior was effected by total knowledge score only during pregnancy, not during postpartum period. To protect fetus and newborn' health, smoking during pregnancy and postpartum period and tendency to start smoking again should be identified by women' health nurses before pregnancy. Women should be supported regarding quitting smoking.