Evaluation of Behavioural Change towards Smoking in Turkish Fathers having 0-1 Year Old Infants during Prenatal and Postnatal Periods

Objective: This study was conducted with the purpose of evaluating changes in fathers' behaviours towards smoking during the prenatal and postnatal periods. Design: A descriptive study conducted in primary health care centres in Kars. Subjects: Parents applying with their 0-1 year old babies in order to utilise such relevant services as vaccine and polyclinic were interviewed face to face by means of a semi-structured form between February the 25th and May the 15th 2009. Results: While 50.8% and 36.2% of the fathers admitted smoking near the mother and baby, and 26.9% said that they cut down cigarettes during pregnancy, according to mothers, the figures were 76.2%, 55.4% and 16.9%. According to Kappa coefficents it was apparent that there was limited consistency between mother and father statements regarding smoking. Conclusion: Environmental tobacco smoke exposure during pregnancy from a fathers habit remains an important issue.