Self-Reported and Serum Cotinine-Validated Smoking in Pregnant Women in Estonia

Objectives: Although widely used in epidemiological studies, self-report has been shown to underestimate the prevalence of smoking among pregnant women. Objectives of this study were to examine the discrepancy between self-reported and cotinine-validated smoking status, and the sociodemographic characteristics associated with the misclassification of real smoking status among pregnant women in Tallinn, the capital of Estonia. Methods: Serum cotinine assays were performed on a subsample (n= 1360) of the pregnant women, who had participated in a recent study of human papillomavirus type 16 (HPV-16) seroprevalence in Estonia. In the present study, serum concentrations ≥15 ng/ml were used to distinguish current smokers from nonsmokers. The serum-validated smoking level was compared with the self-reported level in the records of the Estonian Medical Birth Registry. For the group of self-reported non-smokers, the differences between the cotinine-validated smokers and the cotinine-validated nonsmokers, with respect to their sociodemographic characteristics (age, ethnicity, educational level, employment status, marital status, parity), were estimated by logistic regression. Results: Of 1239 women who reported being nonsmokers, 259 (20.9%) had serum cotinine levels ≥15 ng/ml, and can be regarded as current smokers. Among self-reported nonsmokers, nondisclosure of current smoking was significantly more frequent in non-Estonian, less educated, socially inactive, cohabiting and multiparous women. Conclusions: Self-reported data on smoking in pregnant women underestimates the real smoking prevalence in Estonia. Maternal unwillingness to declare smoking during pregnancy needs to be taken into account in the practice of maternal and child health to better target prenatal smoking cessation interventions.     

The Impact of Subclinical Hypothyroidism on the Quality of Life During Pregnancy: Mapping 5-Level Version of EQ-5D and ThyPRO-39

ObjectivesTo describe how subclinical hypothyroidism (SubHypo) influences the quality of life (QoL) during pregnancy.MethodsIn primary data collection (NCT04167423), thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), free thyroxine (FT4), thyroid peroxidase antibodies, generic quality of life (QoL; 5-level version of EQ-5D [EQ-5D-5L]), and disease-specific QoL (ThyPRO-39) were measured among pregnant women. SubHypo during each trimester was defined according to the 2014 European Thyroid Association guidelines (TSH > 2.5, 3.0, and 3.5 IU/L, respectively; with normal FT4). Path analysis described relationships and tested mediation. Linear ordinary least squares, beta, tobit, and two-part regressions were used to map ThyPRO-39 and EQ-5D-5L. Alternative SubHypo definition was tested in sensitivity analysis.ResultsA total of 253 women at 14 sites (31 ± 5 years old, 15 ± 6 weeks pregnant) completed the questionnaires. Sixty-one (26%) had SubHypo and differed from 174 (74%) euthyroid women in smoking history (61% vs 41%), primiparity (62% vs 43%) and TSH level (4.1 ± 1.4 vs 1.5 ± 0.7 mIU/L, P < .001). EQ-5D-5L utility in SubHypo (0.89 ± 0.12) was lower than that in euthyroid (0.92 ± 0.11; P = .028) even after adjustment (difference −0.04, P = .033), whereas ocular (P = .001, ThyPRO-39), cognitive symptoms (P = .043), anxiety (P < .0001), and the composite score were higher. The impact of SubHypo on utility was mediated by anxiety. Results were confirmed by sensitivity analysis. Final mapping equation (ordinary least squares) includes goiter symptoms, anxiety, upset stomach, composite score (ThyPRO-39), FT4 levels, and week of pregnancy (determination coefficient 0.36).ConclusionThis is the first QoL mapping of SubHypo during pregnancy and the first evidence that SubHypo is associated with a negative impact on QoL. The effect is mediated by anxiety. EQ-5D-5L utilities can be generated based on ThyPRO-39 scores collected in pregnant euthyroid and patients with SubHypo.     

Factors Associated with Active Smoking,Quitting, and Secondhand Smoke Exposure among Pregnant Women in Greece

Background

Pregnant women are exposed to tobacco smoke through active smoking and contact with secondhand smoke (SHS), and these exposures have a significant impact on public health. We investigated the factors that mediate active smoking, successful quitting, and SHS exposure among pregnant women in Crete, Greece.

Methods

Using a cotinine-validated questionnaire, data were collected on active smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke from 1291 women who had successfully completed the first contact questionnaire of the prospective mother-child cohort (Rhea) in Crete during the 12th week of pregnancy.

Results

Active smoking at some time during pregnancy was reported by 36% of respondents, and 17% were current smokers at week 12 of gestation. Those less likely to quit smoking during pregnancy were those married to a smoker (OR, 1.76; P = 0.008), those who were multiparous (1.72; P = 0.011), and those with young husbands. Of the 832 (64%) nonsmokers, almost all (94%, n = 780) were exposed to SHS, with the majority exposed at home (72%) or in a public place (64%). Less educated women and younger women were exposed more often than their better educated and older peers (P < 0.001). Adjusting for potential confounders, parental level of education, age, and ethnicity were the main mediators of exposure to SHS during pregnancy.

Conclusions

Active smoking and exposure to SHS are very prevalent among pregnant women in Greece. The above findings indicate the need for support of population-based educational interventions aimed at smoking cessation in both parents, as well as of the importance of establishing smoke-free environments in both private and public places.Key words: smoking, cessation, pregnancy, fetal health, passive smoking, SHS     

Social Predictors of Continued and Indoor Smoking Among Partners of Non-smoking Pregnant Women: The TMM BirThree Cohort Study

BackgroundSecondhand smoke (SHS) from partners is a major source of exposure for non-smoking women. However, epidemiological studies have rarely examined social factors associated with continued and indoor smoking among pregnant women’s partners.MethodsWe analyzed data on 6,091 partners of non-smoking pregnant women in the Tohoku Medical Megabank Project Birth and Three-Generation Cohort Study. Partners’ age, education, income, workplace SHS exposure (almost never or sometimes, almost every day), and pregnant women’s smoking history (never, quit before pregnancy awareness, quit after pregnancy awareness) were used as social factors. Multiple logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine the associations of social factors with partners’ continued smoking and indoor smoking.ResultsAmong 2,432 smoking partners, 2,237 continued to smoke after pregnancy awareness. Workplace SHS exposure was associated with increased risk of partners’ continued smoking: the odds ratio of workplace SHS exposure almost every day compared with almost never or sometimes was 2.08 (95% confidence interval, 1.52–2.83). Women’s quitting smoking after—but not before—pregnancy awareness was associated with decreased risk of partners’ continued smoking: the odds ratio of women’s quitting after pregnancy awareness compared with never smoking was 0.57 (95% confidence interval, 0.40–0.80). About one-third of partners who continued to smoke did so indoors. Older age, lower education, workplace SHS exposure, and women’s quitting smoking after pregnancy awareness were associated with increased risk of partners’ indoor smoking.ConclusionsWorkplace SHS exposure and pregnant women’s smoking history were associated with continued smoking and indoor smoking among partners of non-smoking pregnant women.Key words: continued smoking, indoor smoking, Japan, partners, pregnant women     

Long-Term Cost-Effectiveness of Smoking Cessation Interventions in People With Mental Disorders: A Dynamic Decision Analytical Model

ObjectivesPeople with mental disorders are more likely to smoke than the general population. The objective of this study is to develop a decision analytical model that estimates long-term cost-effectiveness of smoking cessation interventions in this population.MethodsA series of Markov models were constructed to estimate average lifetime smoking-attributable inpatient cost and expected quality-adjusted life-years. The model parameters were estimated using a variety of data sources. The model incorporated uncertainty through probabilistic sensitivity analysis using Monte Carlo simulations. It also generated tables presenting incremental cost-effectiveness ratios of the proposed interventions with varying incremental costs and incremental quit rates. We used data from 2 published trials to demonstrate the model’s ability to make projections beyond the observational time frame.ResultsThe average smoker’s smoking-attributable inpatient cost was 3 times higher and health utility was 5% lower than ex-smokers. The intervention in the trial with a statistically insignificant difference in quit rate (19% vs 25%; P=.2) showed a 45% to 49% chance of being cost-effective compared with the control at willingness-to-pay thresholds of £20 000 to £30 000/quality-adjusted life-years. The second trial had a significant outcome (quit rate 35.9% vs 15.6%; P<.001), and the corresponding probability of the intervention being cost-effective was 65%.ConclusionsThis model provides a consistent platform for clinical trials to estimate the potential lifetime cost-effectiveness of smoking cessation interventions for people with mental disorders and could help commissioners direct resources to the most cost-effective programs. However, direct comparisons of results between trials must be interpreted with caution owing to their different designs and settings.     

Smoking Habits in Early Pregnancy Related to Age of Smoking Debut

During 1 year, 187 general practitioners in western Norway recruited530 daily smoking, pregnant women for a smoking cessation study.At the first medical check-up in pregnancy each woman filledin a questionnaire. Women who had started smoking within 15years of age reported more heavy smoking the last 3 months beforepregnancy (P<0.0001) and at the first check-up in pregnancy(P<0.01) than those who had started smoking later. They alsoreported less reduction in smoking habits during earlier pregnancies(P<0.0001) and more serious tobacco addiction judged by startingsmoking early in the morning (P<0.005). However, even thosewho had started smoking before 15 years of age reported a reductionof 30% in cigarette consumption during the first few weeks ofthe present pregnancy. In addition to in creasing the antismokingefforts among pregnant women, health education among girls 12–15years of age to prevent smoking initiation should be intensified.     

The Relationship Between Asthma and Smoking During Pregnancy

ABSTRACT

Asthma is the most common and potentially serious medical problem encountered in pregnancy. The prevalence of asthma during pregnancy is generally quoted as being between 1% and 4% which is much lower than general population estimates. The aim of this analysis was to estimate the prevalence of asthma and smoking during pregnancy; and to describe the relationship between the two. A cross-sectional random sample survey of recently delivered Western Australian mothers was carried out in 1995 and 82% of mothers responded. In total 21.3% of women reported ever having asthma at some stage in their life and 12.4% currently had asthma. These results are consistent with general population estimates. Overall 22.7% of women smoked at some stage in pregnancy, which is consistent with the limited comparison data available. Current asthmatics were more likely to smoke during pregnancy than non-asthmatics, although this difference was not statistically significant. Continued vigorous efforts are required to discourage all women and girls from taking up smoking and to encourage those who smoke to quit. This is particularly pertinent for asthmatic women who are pregnant or planning a pregnancy.     

Cigarette smoking during pregnancy in two regions: cross-sectional study

ObjectiveTo assess the prevalence of cigarette smoking in pregnancy, and the rate of congenital malformations in children at in utero exposure.MethodsThe trial was designed as a cross-sectional study to measure exposure of pregnant women to adverse influence of smoking and their health status. The study consists of two arms: one was conducted at four Zagreb maternity hospitals (Croatia) and the other at the same hospitals in Novi Sad (Serbia).ResultsData analysis revealed the habit of cigarette smoking during pregnancy in 829 (11.9%) of 6 992 (6 099+893) women. Malformations were found in 105 (1.5%) fetuses and newborns. Major congenital malformations were present in 4 (0.6%), minor malformations in 73 (10.5%) and low birth weight in 12 (1.7%) newborns. In all these pregnant women smoked until becoming aware of pregnancy or during pregnancy. Tobacco smoking and congenital abnormalities that define the contingency table were not significantly related in Zagreb (P=0.385), as well as in Novi Sad (P=0.345).ConclusionsThe proportion of pregnant women reporting cigarette smoking was quite similar in Zagreb and Novi Sad. There is no statistically significant association between cigarette smoking and congenital malformations.     

Good Days and Bad Days: Measuring Health-Related Quality of Life in People With Epilepsy

ObjectivesCost-effectiveness analyses typically require measurement of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) to estimate quality-adjusted life-years. Challenges with measuring HRQoL arise in the context of episodic conditions if patients are less likely—or even unable—to complete surveys when having disease symptoms. This article explored whether HRQoL measured at regular time intervals adequately reflects the HRQoL of people with epilepsy (PWE).MethodsFollow-up data from the Epilepsy Support Dog Evaluation study on the (cost-)effectiveness of seizure dogs were used in which HRQoL is measured in 25 PWE with the EQ-5D at baseline and every 3 months thereafter. Seizure count is recorded daily using a seizure diary. Regression models were employed to explore whether PWE were more likely to complete the HRQoL survey on a good day (ie, when seizures are absent or low in frequency compared with other days) and to provide an estimate of the impact of reporting HRQoL on a good day on EQ-5D utility scores.ResultsA total of 111 HRQoL measurements were included in the analyses. Regression analyses indicated that the day of reporting HRQoL was associated with a lower seizure count (P<.05) and that a lower seizure count was associated with a higher EQ-5D utility score (P<.05).ConclusionsWhen HRQoL is measured at regular time intervals, PWE seem more likely to complete these surveys on good days. Consequently, HRQoL might be overestimated in this population. This could lead to underestimation of the effectiveness of treatment and to biased estimates of cost-effectiveness.     

Smoking among pregnant women with disabilities

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to examine the prevalence of smoking before, during, and after pregnancy among a representative sample of Massachusetts women with and without disabilities.MethodsData from the 2007 to 2009 Massachusetts Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System survey were used to estimate the prevalence of smoking by disability status.Main FindingsDisability prevalence was 4.8% (n = 204) among Massachusetts women giving birth during 2007 through 2009. The prevalence of smoking during the 3 months before pregnancy among women with disabilities was 37.3% (95% CI, 28.3–47.2%) compared with 18.3% (95% CI, 16.6–20.1%) among women without disabilities. Similarly, 25.2% (95% CI, 17.3–35.2%) of women with disabilities, compared with 9.4% of women without disabilities (95% CI, 8.1–10.8%), smoked during the last trimester of their pregnancy, and 32.1% of women with disabilities (95% CI, 23.5–42.1%) compared with 12.5% of women without disabilities (95% CI, 11.1–14.1%), smoked after pregnancy. In the multivariate logistic regression models, women with disabilities had significantly higher risks of smoking before, during and after pregnancy than women without disabilities (adjusted relative risk [aRR], 1.7 [95% CI, 1.2–2.2]; aRR, 1.9 [95% CI, 1.3–2.8]; aRR, 1.8 [95% CI, 1.3–2.5], respectively) while adjusting for race/Hispanic ethnicity, marital status, education, age, household poverty status, and infant’s birth year.ImplicationsWomen with disabilities are more likely to smoke before, during, and after their pregnancy and less likely to quit smoking during pregnancy. Efforts to integrate and target pregnant women with disabilities in smoking-cessation programs are vital.     

Pregnancy Associated Smoking Behavior and Six Year Postpartum Recall

Background This study examined predictors and behaviors of pregnancy-related smoking among women who belonged to a private health maintenance organization and the recall accuracy of pregnancy-related smoking behaviors after 6-years. Methods A cohort of 725 pregnant women was followed for six years. Major predictors for smoking behavior before, during, and one-year following pregnancy were determined. In addition, accuracy of recall six years postpartum of smoking behavior at the time of pregnancy and one-year postpartum was tested. Results Mother’s education, asthma status, amount of pre-pregnancy smoking, gravidity, and father’s smoking status were important in the prediction of pregnancy associated smoking. Agreement for recall of smoking behavior during pregnancy (6 year recall) and one-year postpartum (5 year recall) were 90% and 91%, respectively. Conclusions Despite potentially adverse outcomes, a proportion of women continue to smoke throughout pregnancy. A number of variables proved to be important predictors of pregnancy associated smoking behavior. These factors should be considered by smoking cessation programs targeting women of reproductive age. Additionally, there was substantial agreement for maternal recall at six years postpartum of smoking behavior at the time of pregnancy and one-year postpartum. This should be considered in retrospective study designs that are primarily based on maternal recall of smoking behaviors before, during, and following pregnancy.     

母亲一般情况及生活方式与新生儿出生体重的关系

目的了解厦门地区孕妇一般情况、生活方式对新生儿出生体重（Birth Weight,BW）的影响,为孕中期保健干预策略和措施制定提供参考。方法前瞻性队列研究,2009年1月～11月于厦门市妇幼保健院产前保健门诊随机选取符合条件对象,进行孕妇生活方式调查,追踪妊娠结局并对孕产妇和新生儿出生体重进行测量。与新生儿出生体重相关的各种可能因素采用多元线性回归与logistic回归分析,未选入模型但临床认为较有意义的变量进行非参数和χ2检验,P〈0.05为差异有统计学意义。结果完整问卷440例,追踪至分娩结局417例,失访23例（5.23%）。非条件logistic回归分析（α入=0.10,α出=0.11）发现孕后运动（B〈0,OR〈1,P=0.019）和孕后做家务（B〈0,OR〈1,P=0.035）是BW异常的保护因素;χ2检验（α=0.10）表明孕前BMI异常及无怀孕史的妇女,其BW异常率较高（P〈0.10）;多元线性回归（逐步回归法、前进法、后退法,α入=0.10,α出=0.11）发现孕前BMI（b〉0,P〈0.05）、电梯使用（b〉0,P〈0.05）与BW呈正相关,被动吸烟（b〈0,P=0.088）与BW呈负相关;非参数秩和检验（α=0.05）表明根据恩格尔系数,家庭小康和富裕的BW最高,而温饱及以下生活水平的BW最低;孕期吸烟暴露造成BW随着被动吸烟时间增加不断降低（P〈0.05）。结论孕妇尽量避免烟雾暴露,适当运动,做些力所能及的家务,有利于BW的控制。     

Impact of self-reported smoking status on health-related quality of life in Singapore

Aim

To evaluate possible differences in health-related quality of life (HRQoL) according to self-reported smoking status in a multiethnic urban Asian population in Singapore.

Subjects and methods

In this community-based cross-sectional survey of a stratified random sample, interviewers obtained socioeconomic, clinical and HRQoL—Short Form-36, Version 2 (SF-36v2), Health Utilities Index Mark 3 (HUI3) and EuroQoL 5-Dimensions (EQ-5D)—data in English, Chinese or Malay. The association between self-reported smoking status and HRQoL at the overall scale and individual attribute levels stratified by gender were evaluated using regression analyses.

Results

Of 3,006 consenting participants with a mean age of 48 (SD: 16.44) years, 49.9 % males, Chinese: Malay: Indian?=?49.9 %: 25.3 %: 24.8 %, 727 (34.4 %) male and 1,386 (65.6 %) female are never smokers, 208 (86.7 %) male and 32 (13.3 %) female are ex-smokers, 104 (78.8 %) male and 28 (21.2 %) female are occasional smokers, while 460 (88.3 %) male and 61 (11.7 %) female are regular smokers. After adjusting for socioeconomic and clinical variables, male ex-smokers reported lower SF-36v2 MCS (regression coefficient: ?1.60, P?=?0.026) and HUI3 utility scores (regression coefficient: ?0.024, P?=?0.040) compared to never smokers. Female regular smokers reported lower HUI3 utility scores as compared to never smokers (regression coefficient: ?0.056, P?=?0.004).

Conclusion

Compared with never smokers, male ex-smokers and female regular smokers reported poorer HRQoL in this multiethnic Asian study.     

孕前超重、孕期过度增重与巨大儿发生风险的前瞻性队列研究

目的 探讨巨大儿发生与孕前超重、孕期过度增重的直接关联及关联强度。方法 2015年1月起在上海市浦东新区妇幼保健院建立孕妇队列,创建孕妇健康档案,收集孕期及分娩信息,包括一般人口学特征、孕前体重、孕期增重、分娩体重、孕期健康状况及各种孕期并发症、分娩情况等,计算孕前BMI及孕期增重,收集新生儿出生体重,了解巨大儿发生与孕前超重、孕期过度增重之间的关系。结果 巨大儿发生率为6.6%（149/2 243）。不同孕前BMI组巨大儿发生率差异有统计学意义（P=0.001）。在控制了孕妇年龄、孕产史等因素后,logistic回归分析结果显示,与孕前BMI适宜的孕妇比,孕前BMI超重以及肥胖的孕妇生产巨大儿的风险均增加（OR=3.12,95%CI：1.35~7.22,P=0.008; OR=2.99,95%CI：1.17~7.63,P=0.022）。不同孕期增重组巨大儿发生率差异有统计学意义（P=0.002）。在控制了孕妇年龄、孕产史、孕期并发症等因素后,logistic回归分析结果显示,与孕期增重适宜的孕妇比,孕期增重不足的孕妇生产巨大儿的风险降低（OR=0.52,95%CI：0.30~0.90,P=0.019）。而孕期过度增重在调整了各种孕期指标后,与孕期增重适宜的孕妇比,巨大儿发生风险差异有统计学意义（OR=1.41,95%CI：0.96~2.09,P=0.084）。结论 孕前超重或肥胖是巨大儿发生的风险因素。     

Comparison of nutrient intake, life style variables, and pregnancy outcomes by the depression degree of pregnant women

The aim of this study was to analyse effects that the degree of depression have on the life style variables, nutrient intake, iron indices and pregnancy outcome. Subjects were 114 pregnant women who were receiving prenatal care at a hospital in Seoul. We collected data for general characteristics and lifestyle variables from general survey instrument and for depression score from the questionnaire on depression. Dietary intakes of subjects were estimated by 24 hour dietary recall method. Also we analysed iron indices and pregnancy outcomes. We classified subjects by 10 point, which was the average depression score, into two groups [Low depression score group (LS) : High depression score group (HS)]. As to the intakes of total calcium, plant-calcium, plant-iron, potassium, total folate and dietary folate, LS group was far higher than HS group (P < 0.05, P < 0.05, P < 0.01, P < 0.001, P < 0.05, and P < 0.01, respectively). As to pre-pregnancy alcohol drinking, LS group had 41.9% in non-drinker, which was far higher than 28% in HS group in non-drinker (P < 0.05). As for drinking coffee during pre-pregnancy, pregnant women who don''t drink coffee in LS group took 43.6%, which was higher than 38% in HS group (P < 0.01). Regarding delivery type, the cesarean section in LS group (18%) was significantly lower than that in HS group (45%) (P < 0.01). Bivariate analysis showed that birth weight was significantly associated with the gestational age (P < 0.01). The pregnant women with higher depression score tended to have undesirable life habit, which might affect negative pregnancy outcomes. A better understanding of how depression and intake of nutrients work together to modulate behavior will be benefit nutritional research.     

EQ-5D-3L Norms for the European Older Population: Country-Specific Norms for 15 European Countires Based on the Survey of Health,Ageing, and Retirement in Europe

ObjectivesThis study presents a country-specific 3-level version of EQ-5D population norms for the European older population.MethodsNorm data were obtained from the fourth wave of the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe, and determined, for each EQ-5D dimension, the EQ–visual analog scale (EQ-VAS) and EQ-5D index values by 7 age groups and sex for 15 European countries. The EQ-5D index values were calculated using the European VAS value set for all countries.ResultsData resulting from 50 013 older respondents (mean age 65.9 years, range 50-111 years, 55.6% women) revealed an increasing number of self-reported health problems on EQ-5D dimensions and decreasing EQ-VAS scores with increasing age and for women compared with men. There are notable differences between countries in terms of the age gradient, the proportion of respondents in full health, and sex. Across all age groups, problems with pain & discomfort are the most frequent (36%-73% any problems), whereas problems with self-care are the least frequent (3%-31% any problems). The mean EQ-VAS score is 71.2 and the mean European VAS score is 0.79.ConclusionsGiven the growing number of older adults and elderly people in Europe, these population norms provide a valuable source of reference data that can be used to compare older adults or patient subgroups to the average of the general elderly population in a similar age or sex group in 15 European countries. The index value results may be further used to assess the burden of disease across older European populations and to identify the unmet needs of targeted older patient populations.     

Health-Related Quality of Life of HIV-Positive and HIV-Negative Pregnant Women in an Impoverished Area: Cross-sectional Study

BackgroundLiangshan prefecture of Sichuan province was an impoverished mountainous area in China, where the annual number of HIV-positive pregnant women accounted for approximately 10% of China’s total population in the decades before 2020. In general, pregnant women living here are likely to be physically and mentally different from those in other places.ObjectiveThis study aims to explore the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of pregnant women living with HIV in an impoverished area.MethodsFrom December 2018 to January 2019, HIV-positive and HIV-negative parturients within 18 months after delivery were recruited in Liangshan Prefecture, Sichuan Province. Questionnaires were designed to collect their demographic data, while the EuroQol 5-Dimension, 3-Level questionnaire was used to measure their HRQoL when they were in the second trimester from 4 to 6 months of pregnancy, and their quantitative health scores were converted to corresponding healthy utility values by using the Chinese Utility Value Integral System (time trade-off coefficient).ResultsA total of 250 pregnant women (133 HIV-positive and 117 HIV-negative) were enrolled in the study. Among them, 55 (41.35%) and 75 (64.10%) of HIV-positive and HIV-negative pregnant women self-reported full health (healthy state 11111), respectively. The median health utility value of the 250 pregnant women was 0.961 (IQR –0.046 to 0.961), and those of the HIV-positive and HIV-negative pregnant women were 0.875 (0.424-0.961) and 0.961 (IQR –0.046 to 0.961), respectively. We observed a significant difference only in the dimension of anxiety or depression between the two groups (P=.002) and no significant difference in the distribution of health utility indices between the two groups in terms of maternal age, education level, occupation, annual household income, prenatal care visits, family size, and medical insurance category. Multivariate ordinal logistic regression analysis showed that age (odds ratio [OR] 0.62, P<.05) and prenatal care visit (OR 0.29, P<.01) were independent risk factors for health status.ConclusionsMost pregnant women self-reported satisfactory HRQoL in this impoverished mountainous area. HIV-negative pregnant women had an edge over HIV-positive pregnant women, and there were significant differences in anxiety or depression dimensions between the two groups.     

Social Media Use,Unhealthy Lifestyles,and the Risk of Miscarriage Among Pregnant Women During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Prospective Observational Study

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in changes to normal life and disrupted social and economic function worldwide. However, little is known about the impact of social media use, unhealthy lifestyles, and the risk of miscarriage among pregnant women during the COVID-19 pandemic.ObjectiveThis study aims to assess the association between social media use, unhealthy lifestyles, and the risk of miscarriage among pregnant women in the early stage of the COVID-19 pandemic in China.MethodsIn this prospective cohort study, 456 singleton pregnant women in mainland China were recruited during January and February 2020. Sociodemographic characteristics, history of previous health, social media use, and current lifestyles were collected at baseline, and we followed up about the occurrence of miscarriage. Log-binomial regression models were used to estimate the risk ratios (RRs) of miscarriage for women with different exposures to COVID-19–specific information.ResultsAmong all the 456 pregnant women, there were 82 (18.0%) who did no physical activities, 82 (18.0%) with inadequate dietary diversity, 174 (38.2%) with poor sleep quality, and 54 (11.8%) spending >3 hours on reading COVID-19 news per day. Women with excessive media use (>3 hours) were more likely to be previously pregnant (P=.03), have no physical activity (P=.003), have inadequate dietary diversity (P=.03), and have poor sleep quality (P<.001). The prevalence of miscarriage was 16.0% (n=73; 95% CI 12.6%-19.4%). Compared with women who spent 0.5-2 hours (25/247, 10.1%) on reading COVID-19 news per day, miscarriage prevalence in women who spent <0.5 hours (5/23, 21.7%), 2-3 hours (26/132, 19.7%), and >3 hours (17/54, 31.5%) was higher (P<.001). Miscarriage prevalence was also higher in pregnant women with poor sleep quality (39/174, 22.4% vs 34/282, 12.1%; P=.003) and a high education level (66/368, 17.9% vs 7/88, 8.0%; P=.02). In the multivariable model, poor sleep quality (adjusted RR 2.06, 95% CI 1.24-3.44; P=.006), 2-3 hours of media use daily (adjusted RR 1.74, 95% CI 1.02-2.97; P=.04), and >3 hours of media use daily (adjusted RR 2.56, 95% CI 1.43-4.59; P=.002) were associated with miscarriage. In the sensitivity analysis, results were still stable.ConclusionsPregnant women with excessive media use were more likely to have no physical activity, inadequate dietary diversity, and poor sleep quality. Excessive media use and poor sleep quality were associated with a higher risk of miscarriage. Our findings highlight the importance of healthy lifestyles during the COVID-19 pandemic.     

Postpartum weight retention in relation to gestational weight gain and pre-pregnancy body mass index: A prospective cohort study in Vietnam

BackgroundThe prevalence of maternal overweight and obesity is increasing in Asia. This study prospectively investigated the association between pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI), gestational weight gain (GWG) and 12-month postpartum weight retention (PPWR) in a large cohort of Vietnamese mothers.MethodsOf the 2030 pregnant women recruited from three cities in Vietnam at 24–28 weeks of gestation, a total of 1666 mothers were followed up for 12 months after delivery and available for analysis. The outcome variable PPWR was determined by subtracting the pre-pregnancy weight from the 12-month postpartum measured weight, while GWG and pre-pregnancy BMI were classified according to the Institute of Medicine and WHO criteria for adults, respectively. Linear regression models were used to ascertain the association between pre-pregnancy BMI, GWG and PPWR accounting for the effects of plausible confounding factors.ResultsBoth pre-pregnancy BMI and GWG were significantly associated with PPWR (P < 0.001). The adjusted mean weight retention in underweight women before pregnancy (3.71 kg, 95% confidence interval (CI) 3.37–4.05) was significantly higher than that in those with normal pre-pregnancy weight (2.34 kg, 95% CI 2.13–2.54). Women with excessive GWG retained significantly more weight (5.07 kg, 95% CI 4.63–5.50) on average at 12 months, when compared to mothers with adequate GWG (2.92 kg, 95% CI 2.67–3.17).ConclusionsBeing underweight before pregnancy and excessive GWG contribute to greater weight retention twelve months after giving birth. Interventions to prevent postpartum maternal obesity should target at risk women at the first antenatal visit and control their weight gain during the course of pregnancy.