Predictors of Self-Efficacy of Avoiding Exposure to Second-Hand Smoke Among Pregnant Women

Tobacco use is a major risk factor for over 20 different types or subtypes of cancer, cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, and numerous other debilitating health problems. Nicotine is also highly addictive. Over 7000 chemicals are found in smoked tobacco products, such as waterpipes, including at least 250 of those chemicals being known to be toxic or carcinogenic. People who do not smoke, exposure to secondhand smoke from burning tobacco products causes disease and premature death. Exposure to secondhand smoke has no safe level. Immediate harm can result from even a brief exposure. Roughly one-third of the global adult population engages in tobacco consumption. A significant proportion of individuals initiate smoking throughout their youth, and those who persist in smoking are at risk of succumbing to a smoking-related ailment. Smoking-related fatalities are increasing in the developing world, while smoking-induced diseases are believed to be the primary cause of premature deaths in developed countries. Pregnant women who are exposed to secondhand smoke are at risk of experiencing various complications that negatively impact on pregnancy and impede the growth of fetus. These complications include spontaneous abortion, miscarriage, fetal growth restriction, intrauterine growth restriction, preterm birth, low birthweight, sudden infant death syndrome and stillbirth. The presence of nicotine in cigarette smoke induces vasoconstriction, leading to a decrease in the delivery of vital oxygen and nutrients required for the development of the fetus. Exposure to secondhand smoke has been associated with sleep-disordered breathing during childhood. Suggested mechanisms for this result include increased inflammation from the chronic exposure to tobacco leading to tonsillar hypertrophy and mucosal edema. Exposure to secondhand smoke increases the likelihood of children developing asthma, experiencing a decline in lung function, and developing middle ear disease. Similar to infancy, the prenatal period is particularly susceptible to the harmful consequences of tobacco consumption. This study aims to identify the predictors of self-efficacy of avoiding exposure to secondhand smoke among pregnant women. A descriptive correlational study was carried out in Baghdad city for the period from October 1st 2023 to April 4th 2024. A non-probability (purposive sample) sample of (390) pregnant women who visited the health care centers in Baghdad, Iraq. A questionnaire composed of demographic and reproductive characteristics, exposure to cigarette smoke by smoking, self-efficacy scale, and perceived barriers scale. The data were analyzed by using statistical package for social science, version 27. The multiple regression model exhibits that the number cigarettes husband smokes per day, number of hours a day women think they are exposed to cigarette smoke, number of cigarettes husband smokes per day, perceived barriers predict more participants’ Self-Efficacy respectively. On the other hand, the number of cigarettes husbands smoke in the car, in your home or near you, and number of cigarettes husband smokes per day respectively. Self-Efficacy of pregnant women predicts more likely to adopt avoidance behavior and it is necessary to develop educational programs to increase the self-efficacy of pregnant women and inform them about the effects of exposure to secondhand smoke on pregnancy and fetus.