A qualitative study of barriers and motivators to prevent second-hand smoke exposure among pregnant women and children in Egypt: Identifying appropriate approaches for change.

BACKGROUND:The prevalence of daily second-hand smoke (SHS) exposure among pregnant non-smoking women and children in Egypt is estimated to be about 50% and 55%, respectively. This study aimed to explore barriers to preventing SHS exposure among pregnant women/children and smoking in the home in Egypt. METHODS:Six focus group discussions with pregnant women/mothers of children residing in urban/rural areas (n=61) were conducted. Data were managed and analyzed using the Framework Method. RESULTS:Sixty one participants aged 18-49 were recruited. They reported being never smokers and SHS exposure for themselves and their children was mainly at home. Pregnant women/mothers had some general knowledge of the dangers of SHS, but their knowledge appeared incomplete. The most commonly reported barriers to preventing SHS exposure/adopting a smoke-free home or workplace were social acceptance of smoking and SHS exposure, masculinity and gender norms of accepting smoking among men as a normative behavior, fear among women of damaging a relationship with family or even divorce, women resigning themselves to SHS exposure, and doctors not being supportive of smoking cessation. The majority of interviewees' families were reported to allow smoking anywhere in the home. Others implemented some measures to prevent SHS; however, these tended to be inconsistently implemented. CONCLUSION:Changing the norm of accepting smoking among men as a normative behavior within Egyptian society and better enforcement of smoke-free policies, will help to protect pregnant women and children from SHS. IMPLICATIONS:This study suggests promising approaches to support the promotion of smoke-free homes (SFH) and prevention of SHS exposure among pregnant women and children in public places in Egypt. Better enforcement of smoke-free policies is needed. Health care professionals (HCPs) should support smoking cessation services in primary health centers (PHCs). SHS policy, practice and research should focus on husbands/fathers as they are the main source of SHS. There is a need for denormalization of SHS exposure in Egyptian society.