Association between Self-Reported Survey Measures and Biomarkers of Second-Hand Tobacco Smoke Exposure in Non-Smoking Pregnant Women

Abstract

Second-hand tobacco smoke (SHS) causes adverse health outcomes in adults. Further studies are needed to evaluate psychosocial SHS exposure measures in comparison to SHS exposure biomarkers, particularly in pregnant women. This study aimed to compare self-reported SHS exposure to urinary cotinine levels in pregnant women. A cross-sectional correlation design was conducted using a convenience sample of 70 non-smoking pregnant women. Measures included self-reported questionnaires and laboratory confirmation of cotinine levels in the urinary samples. Multiple regression analysis was used to assess the correlation after controlling for potential confounding variables. The average level of urinary cotinine among non-smoking pregnant women was 6.77 ng/mL. Medium-strength correlations were found among psychosocial SHS exposure measures and urine cotinine levels. Questions regarding ‘instances of smoking in front of the individual’ and ‘subjective perceived frequency of SHS exposure in past 7 days’ are feasible items for pregnant women in clinics (particularly the first question). Hence, we suggest that these simple questions should be used to assist pregnant women in reducing the harm associated with SHS exposure.

Verifying the accuracy of self-reported smoking behavior in female volunteer soldiers

“…This result was similar to the military service and basic military training conscripts research 20 . Prior study indicated that smoking in front of participants and perceived frequency of SHS exposure in past 7 days were related to urinary cotinine among nonsmoking pregnant female 25 . Because there were restrictions on when and where you can smoke at the Recruit Training Center, the non-significant result in this study may be attributable to the similar second-hand smoke exposure of smokers and non-smokers in military.…”