OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the factors related to smoking during pregnancy in married, pregnant women aged 15-49 years.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this study, data from the Turkey Demographic and Health Survey 2008 (TDHS-2008) were used. A total of 423 pregnant women, accounting for 6% of married women aged 15-49 years in 2008, were interviewed in the study. Data use approval was obtained from the Hacettepe University Institute of Population Studies.

RESULTS: The prevalence of smoking among pregnant women was 11.4%. The frequency was higher (12.7%) among educated women than in those who were less educated (7.5%). Logistic regression analysis showed that the educational status of the pregnant women (OR=2.72; 95% CI=1.14-6.50) and smoking inside the home (OR=20.83; 95% CI=4.23-102.49) were statistically significantly associated with smoking status during pregnancy. Women at high risk age for pregnancy (below 18 years and above 35 years of age) smoked less frequently compared with the other age groups (OR=0.32; 95% CI=0.16-0.65).

CONCLUSION: Despite the health risks for both the baby and the mother, the prevalence of smoking during pregnancy was 11.4% in Turkey during 2008. Long term awareness and educational studies are needed to prevent pregnant women from this global risk.