Risk factors associated to tobacco and alcohol use in a large French cohort of pregnant women (2019)

Tobacco and/or alcohol use during pregnancy is a major public health concern. The aim of our study was to identify risk factors associated to maternal alcohol and tobacco use assessed by maternal self-reports combined with biological measurements in meconium samples of cotinine and ethylglucuronide which reflect fetal exposure to tobacco and alcohol, respectively, during the 3rd trimester of pregnancy. We conducted a prospective study in three maternity hospitals in a large urban area during consecutive weeks (2010 and 2011). Maternal sociodemographic and clinical characteristics were assessed after delivery, using the French version of the Addiction Severity Index. Cotinine and ethylglucuronide were measured in meconium samples. Seven hundred and twenty-four women were included, and 645 meconium samples collected. Using multivariate analyses, we found that not being married or having a smoking partner predicts maternal tobacco use. In contrast, a decreased risk was associated with higher education level and wanted pregnancy. The risk for alcohol use increased when the mother had been in conflict with any relative or her partner for a long time throughout her life, as well as in case of previous treatment for any mental or emotional disorder. Using multivariate analyses and cotinine presence in meconium samples, the risks were similar except for marital status, which was not associated to cotinine presence. Community education and prevention programs should urgently be improved for all women of childbearing age with a special focus on those with past histories of mental or emotional disorders and addictive disorders. Smoking cessation should be recommended to both parents.