National level data collection on risk- factors in pregnancy in Europe
M Philibert, D Alvarez, M Gatt, M Gissler, J Gunnarsdottir, J Klimont, K Klungsoyr, T Kyprianou, I Verdenik, J ZeitlinAbstract
Background
Indicators of maternal smoking during pregnancy and prepregnancy body mass index (BMI) –population characteristics associated with risks of adverse pregnancy outcomes – are key for establishing and evaluating preventive policies. This study aimed to assess the availability, prevalence and trends in these indicators in European countries.
Methods
Data come from the Euro-Peristat Network, which collected routine national data on a recommended set of indicators from 2015 to 2024 using a federated protocol based on a common data model with 20 data items. The study population is women delivering a live birth or stillbirth at ≥ 22 gestational weeks. Variables were defined as smoking during the third trimester of pregnancy and maternal pre-pregnancy BMI.
Results
15 countries provided data for the years 2015 to 2024, while for 6 the latest year available was 2023. Of the 21 countries, 9 countries had data on smoking in the 3rd trimester. In 2023/2024, smoking prevalence varied from 1% (Norway) to 9.9% (Slovenia). In most countries, smoking declined between 2015 and 2023/2024 except in Slovenia (9.5% and 9.9%) and Czechia (7.3% and 9.0%). 11 countries could provide pre-pregnancy BMI. In 2024, the prevalence of obesity (BMI≥30) varied from 14.1% (Slovenia) to 23.6% (Iceland), while overweight and obesity (BMI≥25) varied from 32.2% (Slovenia) to 53.3% (Iceland). Obesity prevalence increased in all countries.
Conclusions
Many countries in Europe could not provide national-level data on these two key risk factors. Comparisons between countries with available data showed a wide range in prevalence with differing trends, indicating possibilities for public health improvement.
Key messages
• Many countries in Europe could not provide national-level data on maternal smoking during pregnancy and prepregnancy body mass index.
• Comparisons of those two risk factors between countries with available data showed a wide range in prevalence with differing trends.