| Summary: | Introduction
Smoking in pregnancy is unhealthy and can also have negative effects on
the foetus. However, there are still some women who do not quit smoking during pregnancy.
The aim of the study was to identify Slovenian women at risk who smoke during pregnancy.
Methods
A quantative approach using an online survey was adopted. The study was
conducted in May and June 2017, in Slovenia. A snowball sample was used. Participation
in the survey was anonymous and voluntary, and 118 women who identified themselves
as smokers participated in the study. Descriptive statistics was used to analyse the data.
Results
More than half (66%) did not quit smoking during pregnancy. Women who
continued to smoke during pregnancy were usually younger, less educated with a partner
who smoked. Women who smoked more cigarettes per day before conception were less
likely to refrain from smoking during pregnancy. The most common reason for not quitting
smoking during pregnancy was failure in attempts to quit (37%).
Conclusions
Women who smoke need support to stop smoking before pregnancy or,
at least, in the first trimester. Special groups for smoking cessation need to be created.
Further and more extensive research is warranted in Slovenia to assess this issue.
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