Smoking during pregnancy in Finland: Determinants and trends, 1987-1997

Objectives. This study examined determinants of and trends in smoking during pregnancy in Finland from 1987 through 1997. Methods. A repeated cross-sectional investigation of 694926 women was conducted. Results. The prevalence of smoking during pregnancy remained similar from 1987 through 1997 (at 15%). In 1997, prevalences of smoking were alarmingly high among young (37%), single (30%), and less educated (25%) women and among women living in northern (20%) and eastern (19%) Finland. These determinants were persistent over time, with the exception of an increase in regional differences. Conclusions. Despite increasing knowledge of adverse effects, smoking during pregnancy has not declined in Finland over the past decade.