1Asst. Prof., Dept of Community Medicine, JNMC, Wardha, Maharashtra
2Asst. Prof., Dept of Forensic Medicine, Shri V.N.G.M.C, Yavatmal, Maharashtra
3Prof., Dept of Community Medicine, JNMC, Wardha, Maharashtra
4Prof. and Head, Dept of Community Medicine, JNMC, Wardha, Maharashtra
Online published on 9 May, 2014.
Second hand smoke (SHS) released from the burning end of cigarette and exhaled mainstream smoke. When inhaled by pregnant mothers, it can cross the placenta and increased risk of neonatal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. On literature search we could not find out data on exposure to SHS during pregnancy in India which seems to be the household disaster for her.
Questionnaire was administered to pregnant mothers attending the clinic regarding their exposure status and knowledge on SHS. Focus group discussion (FGD) was arranged for mothers who failed to take any preventive efforts to avoid SHS to explore the barriers.
All of study belongs to low socio-economic status, 87% were exposed to SHS in family and only 11% know the exact effect of SHS on fetus. Most of them heard of SHS from Televisions and very few were informed by the health care providers. 79% had not taken any preventive efforts for same. Main barriers recognized were the ignorance, low status in family and unfavorable social environment.
Non smoking pregnant women in India are often exposed to SHS and their preventive actions are very weak.
