Physical Activity to Help Pregnant Women Quit Smoking
Author Information
Author(s): Ussher Michael, Aveyard Paul, Coleman Tim, Straus Lianne, West Robert, Marcus Bess, Lewis Beth, Manyonda Isaac
Primary Institution: Division of Community Health Sciences, St. George's University of London
Hypothesis
Can physical activity aid smoking cessation in pregnant women?
Conclusion
Recruiting pregnant smokers for a physical activity intervention is feasible and may help them quit smoking.
Supporting Evidence
- 11.6% of pregnant smokers were successfully recruited for the study.
- 25% of participants achieved continuous smoking abstinence by eight months gestation.
- Women reported that the intervention helped with weight management and reduced cravings.
Takeaway
This study shows that getting pregnant women to exercise can help them stop smoking, and many liked the idea.
Methodology
Two pilot studies assessed the feasibility of a physical activity intervention for smoking cessation in pregnant women.
Potential Biases
Participants may have been more health-conscious and motivated than the general population of pregnant smokers.
Limitations
The studies did not include a control group, which may affect the reliability of the smoking cessation rates.
Participant Demographics
Pregnant women aged 18 and above who smoked at least one cigarette a day.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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