[Smoking during pregnancy and smoking clinics].
OBJECTIVE
France has the highest rate in Europe for smoking during pregnancy, the first cause of preterm birth.


METHODS
We aimed to study the accessibility of smoking clinics for pregnant women in Picardy. A woman simulated by phone a request for a visit.


RESULTS
Smoking cessation visits are poorly publicized. The mean delay for a visit is nine days (range: 2-42). Only eight centers out of 21 could reduce the delay when it was stressed that the request was for a pregnant woman, reducing the delay to seven days (range: 1-16). None of the centres has checked for this condition.


CONCLUSIONS
Smoking is a major burden. Inconsistencies in the French healthcare system are reviewed. Professionals' involvement in smoking cessation programs must be improved, however consistency in the support from health care authorities is needed.
Service de santé publique, CHU Nord, 80054 Amiens cedex 1, France.
A
A
Braillon
G
G
Dubois
A
A
Bernady-Prud'homme
D005260:Female; D005602:France / Q000453:epidemiology; D006266:Health Education; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000517:prevention & control*; D047928:Premature Birth / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D012907:Smoking / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000453:epidemiology; D016540:Smoking Cessation / Q000379:methods*; D000074606:Smoking Prevention; D013689:Telephone