Opinions of Adults about the Effects of Smoking during Pregnancy and Environmental Tobacco Smoke to the Infant Health in Sakarya, Turkey

The aim of this study was to determine the opinions of adults about the effects of smoking during pregnancy and ETS (Enviromental Tobacco Smoke)to the infant health.The sample group of this descriptive study consists of 266 adults who applied to maternity and a children's clinic at a Training and Research Hospital in Sakarya Province and who volunteer to taking part in this study. Written consent from hospital administration and verbal consent from adults who agreed to participate to the study was obtained to perform this study. Data were collected using a questionnaire prepared by researchers in accordance with the literature. The obtained data were analyzed on computer program by using mean, percentages and Chi-square test.79.7% of participants (n=212) were female, 20.3% (n=54) were male and the mean age was x = 34.10 9.16 (min=20, max=65).87.2% of all participants, 84.3% of active smokers and 84.4% of smokers during pregnancy agreed to the statement that "Smoking during pregnancy and ETS exposure can cause a variety of respiratory diseases".It was determined that 72.6% of all participants, 68.5% of active smokers and 75% of smokers during pregnancy agreed to "Smoking during pregnancy and ETS exposure can cause premature birth". Statistically significant relationship was determined between the genders for this statement (p0.05). It was determined that knowledge of the participants about the health effects of smoking and ETS exposure on the health of unborn babies and newborn is insufficient. To increase the awareness and knowledge of the society on this issue informative training programs are advised.