Smoking and Cessation During Pregnancy in Appalachian Women
Author Information
Author(s): Cottrell Lesley, Gibson Mark, Harris Carole, Rai Alia, Sobhan Sabera, Berry Traci, Stanton Bonita
Primary Institution: West Virginia University School of Medicine
Hypothesis
How do smoking behaviors and cessation plans change during pregnancy among young Appalachian women?
Conclusion
Standard smoking cessation programs may not be effective for pregnant women experiencing significant life changes, suggesting a need for tailored interventions.
Supporting Evidence
- Women reported that smoking was intertwined with their social lives and personal identities.
- Many women felt depressed and perceived little control over their smoking habits during pregnancy.
- Standard cessation programs may not address the unique challenges faced by pregnant women.
Takeaway
This study looked at how young pregnant women in Appalachia think about smoking and quitting, finding that their feelings and relationships can make quitting hard.
Methodology
The study involved open-ended interviews and quantitative measures assessing demographics, psychological and social characteristics of pregnant women and their partners.
Potential Biases
Potential biases may arise from self-reported data and the convenience sampling method used.
Limitations
The study's sample size was small and limited to a specific geographic area, which may affect the generalizability of the findings.
Participant Demographics
Participants were young women aged 17 to 25, primarily high school graduates, with a significant portion reporting ongoing smoking during pregnancy.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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