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Local availability of tobacco increases risk of smoking during pregnancy

New research suggests that the likelihood of Scottish women smoking during pregnancy is higher if they reside in areas with a high density of shops selling cigarettes. The findings were published in the journal Tobacco Control.

Researchers at the University of Edinburgh analysed maternity records which had details regarding the smoking behaviour of expectant mothers for >700,000 births in Scotland between 2000 and 2015. Women with at least 2 births during the period and having moved neighbourhood between pregnancies were included. Data on all tobacco outlets in Scotland were simultaneously analysed

The findings showed the risk of smoking during a pregnancy increased with the availability of tobacco products within the locality. Pregnant women who lived in neighbourhoods where the availability of tobacco products was highest had a 70% higher chance of smoking compared with those living in areas devoid of tobacco sale.

The authors said: "Limiting the supply of tobacco could help to cut rates of smoking among pregnant women – 15 per cent of whom smoke – and throughout the wider population in Scotland." They also added that restriction of tobacco supply could also help encounter health inequalities in the country. The Government has set a goal of lowering adult smoking rates in Scotland to <5% by 2034.


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