Abandono del consumo de tabaco en las fumadoras gallegas durante el embarazo o la lactancia, 1954-2004

Abstract

Objective: To determine how many women living in Galicia (Spain) quit smoking during pregnancy and in the first 6 months of breast feeding. A second objective was to identify possible temporal changes in smoking cessation. Method: Data retrospectively provided by smokers and ex-smokers living in Galicia were analyzed. Results: A total of 31.9% (26.9-37.0) of Galician smokers did not quit smoking during pregnancy or in the 6 first months of breast feeding. No statistically significant differences were found in the percentage of women who stopped smoking in relation to the period when they became pregnant. A tendency towards lower cessation rates was found. Conclusions: A high percentage of pregnant women do not quit smoking during pregnancy or in the first 6 months of breast feeding. These data indicate that health policies on smoking during pregnancy and breast feeding should be improved.