Assessing the accuracy of self-reported smoking status and impact of passive smoke exposure among pregnant Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women using cotinine biochemical validation

Abstract

Introduction and Aims: A significant level of misreport or error occurs during questionnaire-based assessment of smoking behaviour. Failure to measure environmental tobacco smoke, and participant's inclination to under-report their smoking raise questions as to the accuracy of assessment. In order to establish an estimation of the possible error associated with such assessment, the accuracy of self-reported smoking status among a group of pregnant Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women was examined. Design and Methods.Women attending two Aboriginal Medical services in Far North Queensland for antenatal care were invited to participate.Women completed an interviewer assisted questionnair..