Personality and its relation to the use of alcohol and cigarettes during pregnancy: A multinational study

Abstract

This study explored the impact of women’s personality on drinking and smoking habits before and during pregnancy, using a multinational perspective. Data on maternal personality traits, background information, and alcohol and cigarette smoking before and during pregnancy were collected from 9187 women from more than 18 countries. High conscientiousness and agreeableness resulted as protective factors against alcohol consumption during pregnancy; trait-specific associations were apparent on individual region level. Highly extrovert women were more likely to consume medium/high amount of alcohol (10%–17% increased odds). High neuroticism conferred a 16 percent increased odds for continued smoking during pregnancy. Personality and nationality are important factors for adequate pre- and postnatal health care.