Factors Contributing to Geographical Variation in Maternal Smoking Rates Among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Women

Abstract

Issue Addressed: Smoking during pregnancy poses serious health risks for mother and baby. Addressing smoking among pregnant Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women is an Australian national priority. This study aimed to understand the geographical variation in rates of not smoking during pregnancy among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women. Methods: Data from the National Perinatal Data Collection were obtained for all births in Australia recorded between 2014 and 2017 to women aged 18 and over who were recorded as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander. Sociodemographic characteristics were obtained from national data for each of the 340 included geographic areas of residence (..