IJERPH, Vol. 16, Pages 5022: Prevalence and Sources of Second-Hand Smoking Exposure among Non-Smoking Pregnant Women in an Urban Setting of Vietnam (International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health)

Exposure to second-hand smoke (SHS) among non-smoking pregnant women can lead to adverse maternal and fetal outcomes. A cross-sectional study was performed from July to August 2016 among 432 pregnant women at Bach Mai Hospital, Hanoi, Vietnam, to assess the prevalence and sources of SHS exposure among non-smoking pregnant women. Socio-economic characteristics and information regarding SHS exposure of participants were collected. Multivariable logistic regression was employed to identify associated factors. Overall, 92.6% and 64.5% of pregnant women were exposed to SHS in their lifetime and in the last 30 days, respectively. Cafeterias and restaurants had the highest proportion of pregnant women exposed to SHS. Those who reported that “smoking is allowed at home” (OR = 3.18; 95%CI = 1.97–5.13); going to working place (OR = 1.86; 95%CI = 1.08–3.19), going to state authority offices (OR = 1.98; 95%CI = 1.15–3.41), and cafeterias (OR = 1.96; 95%CI = 1.22–3.16) had the highest risk of SHS exposure in the last 30 days. We have found a high proportion of SHS exposure among non-smoking pregnant women in Vietnam. This comes from a multitude of sources, including homes, workplaces, cafeterias, and restaurants. The data emphasises the need for further intervention to address this health issue.