Impact of smoke-free legislation on perinatal and infant mortality: a national quasi-experimental study

Sci Rep. 2015 Aug 13:5:13020. doi: 10.1038/srep13020.

Abstract

Smoke-free legislation is associated with improved early-life outcomes; however its impact on perinatal survival is unclear. We linked individual-level data with death certificates for all registered singletons births in England (1995-2011). We used interrupted time series logistic regression analysis to study changes in key adverse perinatal events following the July 2007 national, comprehensive smoke-free legislation. We studied 52,163 stillbirths and 10,238,950 live-births. Smoke-free legislation was associated with an immediate 7.8% (95%CI 3.5-11.8; p < 0.001) reduction in stillbirth, a 3.9% (95%CI 2.6-5.1; p < 0.001) reduction in low birth weight, and a 7.6% (95%CI 3.4-11.7; p = 0.001) reduction in neonatal mortality. No significant impact on SIDS was observed. Using a counterfactual scenario, we estimated that in the first four years following smoke-free legislation, 991 stillbirths, 5,470 cases of low birth weight, and 430 neonatal deaths were prevented. In conclusion, smoke-free legislation in England was associated with clinically important reductions in severe adverse perinatal outcomes.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • England
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Infant Mortality*
  • Infant, Low Birth Weight
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Perinatal Mortality*
  • Pregnancy
  • Smoke-Free Policy / legislation & jurisprudence*
  • Smoking / adverse effects