• A study published in The Lancet Regional Health - Southeast Asia shows alarming rates of tobacco use among pregnant and lactating women in India.

• The data from the National Family Health Survey-5 was used for the study.

• This is a public health concern threatening the well-being of both mothers and their children.

• Tobacco use among currently married pregnant and lactating women stands at 2.5% and 3.2%, respectively.

• 85.6% of these women are using smokeless tobacco (SLT), which is culturally more acceptable but no less harmful.

• Age, employment status, and wealth quintile were found to be the significant predictors of smoked tobacco use among pregnant women.

• For lactating women, the middle wealth quintile and the South Indian region emerge as key predictors.

• The study calls for immediate action to integrate tobacco awareness and cessation services into routine antenatal examinations.

• The research underscores the need for targeted interventions and policies, which will address the unique challenges faced by pregnant and lactating women.

Click here to read more.