Attitudes and knowledge of Greek midwives on smoking cessation

Active and passive smoking during the perinatal period is one of the most important preventable causes of a variety of unfavorable pregnancy outcomes. Despite being informed about the risks at least one third of women still smoke during pregnancy. Greece has a smoking prevalence of 38%. It is essential for midwives to be trained in smoking cessation in order to help pregnant effectively to quit. Most women who quit smoking during pregnancy without following a smoking cessation program usually resume smoking within 6 months after delivery. We surveyed 294 midwives in Athens (professionals & students) in 2015 using a questionnaire to ascertain their perception and knowledge on: · the risks of active and passive smoking in pregnancy · smoking cessation in general · smoking cessation as part of their duty · the kind of information and help they should provide to pregnant smokers. Results: 1. Almost all participants reported that they routinely inform pregnant smokers about the risks of active and passive smoking. 2. The vast majority (97%) believe that smoking cessation is an important part of their role. 3. Only 51.7% reported feeling comfortable in offering quitting support. 4. 87.4% reported that pregnant women were not well informed about the risks of active and passive smoking. 5. Both professional and student midwives have insufficient knowledge on the effects of smoking during pregnancy and lactation (only 1% answered correctly all relevant questions). We conclude that midwives want to efficiently advise pregnant and breastfeeding smokers to quit. In order to be effective in this role they should be adequately educated on the effects of smoking during pregnancy and lactation and trained in smoking cessation strategies.