Association Between Maternal Smoking During Gestation and Offspring Objectively-Measured Physical Activity Behavior During Adolescence

Abstract

Paul D. Loprinzi, Meghan K. Edwards

Background: Although inconclusive, previous work demonstrates an association between maternal smoking and offspring cardiovascular-related biomarkers. Whether maternal smoking is associated with offspring cardiovascular-related behaviors (e.g., physical activity) has yet to be examined, which was this study’s purpose. Methods: Data from the 2003-2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey was examined. Adolescent participants (N=1,033; 12-15 yrs) completed a survey assessing their biological mother’s smoking behavior during gestation and also wore an accelerometer for up to 7 days. Three mutually exclusive groups were created, including Group 1) mother did not smoke during participants pregnancy; Group 2) mother smoked during entire pregnancy; and Group 3) mother quit smoking during pregnancy. Results: After adjustments, moderate-to-vigorous physical activity was not different in adolescents who belonged to Group 2 vs. 1 (RR = 1.12; 95% CI: 0.94-1.34; P=0.18) or Group 3 vs. 1 (RR = 0.96; 95% CI: 0.75-1.22; P=0.74). Conclusions: Maternal smoking was not associated with their offspring’s physical activity during adolescence.