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A recent study published in the journal Addictive Behaviors has revealed alarming new evidence about the impact of maternal smoking during pregnancy. Research conducted by a collaborative team from the University of South Australia, Curtin University, SAHMRI, Harvard University, and other institutions highlights that smoking while pregnant can significantly impair a child’s future academic performance.
The comprehensive study, which involved a systematic review of 19 studies encompassing 1.25 million participants, found that 79% of these studies reported diminished academic achievement among children exposed to maternal smoking during pregnancy. The research also included a meta-analysis of eight primary studies with 723,877 participants, indicating that children exposed to maternal prenatal tobacco smoking were 49% more likely to experience poor academic outcomes compared to those not exposed in utero.
In Australia, smoking during pregnancy remains a concern, with 8.7% of mothers (26,433 individuals) having smoked at some point during their pregnancy in 2021. Lead researcher Dr. Bereket Duko from the University of South Australia emphasizes that despite widespread anti-smoking campaigns, the detrimental effects of smoking during pregnancy continue to be severe and far-reaching.
“While the dangers of smoking are well-documented, our research uncovers yet another significant consequence: the impact on children’s academic performance,” Dr. Duko said. “Prenatal smoking is known to cause a range of complications, including miscarriage, stillbirth, restricted growth, and developmental issues. This new evidence highlights that it also hampers educational achievement, putting affected children at a disadvantage compared to their peers.”
Dr. Duko stresses the importance of ongoing education and awareness efforts to combat smoking. “We need to continue our fight against smoking, ensuring that mothers and families fully understand the risks involved. Although we have made progress in reducing smoking rates and raising awareness, this battle is far from over.”
The study underscores the need for heightened public health initiatives and support systems aimed at reducing smoking among pregnant women to improve long-term outcomes for their children.
For further details, see: Bereket Duko et al., “The effect of maternal prenatal tobacco smoking on offspring academic achievement: A systematic review and meta-analysis,” Addictive Behaviors (2024). DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2024.107985.
