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

Objectives. This study examined determinants of and trends in smoking durin g pregnancy in Finland from 1987 through 1997. Methods. A repeated cross-sectional investigation of 694926 women was condu cted. Results. The prevalence of smoking during pregnancy remained similar from 1 987 through 1997 (at 15%). In 1997, prevalences of smoking were alarmingly high among young (37%), single (30%), and less educated (25%) women and amo ng women living in northern (20%) and eastern (19%) Finland. These determin ants were persistent over time, with the exception of an increase in region al differences. Conclusions. Despite increasing knowledge of adverse effects, smoking durin g pregnancy has not declined in Finland over the past decade.