Pregnant mothers and secondhand smoke in peri-urban Colombo: A cross-sectional knowledge, attitude, and practices analysis

Background: Secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure during pregnancy is a significant public health concern, as it is associated with adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes, including low birth weight, preterm birth, and fetal growth restriction. Pregnant women in peri-urban areas may be particularly vulnerable due to high household smoking prevalence, limited awareness of SHS risks, and sociocultural norms that may discourage protective behaviors. Aims and Objectives: This study aimed to assess the level of exposure, knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAPs) of pregnant mothers living in peri-urban areas (Rathmalana, Boralesgamuwa, and Piliyandala) regarding secondhand smoke. Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in the areas of the district of Colombo, sampling from three medical officers of health regions. A systematic randomized sampling technique was adapted to collect data. Data were collected through an interview-administered questionnaire on sociodemographic, exposure level, and KAPs of SHS from 375 pregnant mothers. Results: Exposure of pregnant mothers to SHS was highest in homes (26%). The prevalence of exposure among pregnant mothers was found to be 59%, which reflects a considerably high level of exposure within this group. The mean level of knowledge was found to be 4.78 (standard deviation [SD]=2.16), which was in the satisfactory region of the 10-point scale. The mean of attitude was found to be 4.80 (SD=1.79), which was in the satisfactory region of the 10-point scale. The mean level of practices was found to be 0.76 (SD=3.10), which was in the poor spectrum of the 10-point scale. Conclusion: More than half of the pregnant mothers who were exposed to SHS were exposed in their homes (26%). According to the results of our study, the knowledge level and attitude level were in the satisfactory region of the 10-point scale among pregnant mothers regarding SHS, but the level of practices was poor.