Healthcare Professionals’ Knowledge, Attitudes and Counselling Practice Regarding Prevention of Secondhand Smoke Exposure Among Pregnant Women/Children in Assiut, Egypt

Faculty of Medicine

Assiut University

Healthcare Professionals’ Knowledge, Attitudes and Counselling Practice Regarding Prevention of Secondhand Smoke Exposure Among Pregnant Women/Children in Assiut, Egypt

Research Authors
Zeinab M Hassanein, Rachael L Murray, Ilze Bogdanovica, Tessa Langley
Research Date
Research Department
Department of Public Health and Community Medicine
Research Journal
International Journal of Public Health
Research Member
Zeinab Mostafa Abdel-Ghafour Hassanein
Research Publisher
Frontiers
Research Vol
vol.67
Research Website
https://scholar.google.com.eg/scholar?oi=bibs&cluster=11285063993132341040&btnI=1&hl=ar
Research Year
2022
Research_Pages
1605073
Research Abstract

Objectives

To explore Knowledge, attitudes and counselling practices of HCPs regarding SHS exposure among pregnant women and children in Egypt.

Methods

Survey of HCPs working in public maternal and child health clinics in Assiut city, Egypt. Descriptive and regression analyses were performed.

Results

367 HCPs participated in the study, 12% of whom were smokers. The majority were nurses (45%). A considerable proportion of HCPs reported being exposed to SHS in the workplace (70%) and home (52%). About half HCP reported high SHS risk awareness (56%), supportive attitude towards preventing SHS exposure (53%), and having good counselling practice regarding SHS exposure (52%). Being a GP and serving urban communities were significantly associated with high risk awareness. Being female, serving rural communities and not being exposed to SHS at home were significantly associated with self-reported supportive attitudes and good counselling practice.

Conclusion

HCPs’ awareness, attitudes and practice regarding the risks of SHS to pregnant women and children in Egypt should be improved. Training for HCPs and enforcement of smoke free polices are needed to improve awareness and facilitate changes in social norms.