Dr Beckie Lang Health Campaigns Manager, Tommy's the Baby Charity, London
Abstract
Background
Despite its association with adverse pregnancy outcomes including preterm birth, small for gestational age infants and stillbirth, 35% of pregnant teenagers smoke throughout their pregnancy. Although a successful method of quitting, engagement with Stop Smoking Services (SSS) is low among young women.
Methods
Qualitative data were collected from 32 teenage pregnant smokers (TPS) and 60 specialist teenage midwives to develop an online tool (‘Baby Be Smoke Free’ (BBSF)). The tool utilised PRIME theory behaviour change techniques and included tested messages to enhance motivation to quit and to encourage self-referral to SSS in the target population. BBSF was piloted in the antenatal clinic of an inner city hospital with high rates of teenage pregnancies.
Results
Thirty six pregnant teenagers were recruited to test and feedback on the resource, 16 of which were smokers. An additional 15 TPS provided qualitative feedback on the site’s accessibility, acceptability and usability. BBSF increased awareness of the impact of smoking on the fetus, and improved motivation to quit. Four out of the 16 (25%) smokers requested support from SSS.
Conclusions
Further refinement and testing is required, but BBSF could be a useful intervention to engage this hard to reach group of pregnant women on the benefits of quitting smoking.
Source of funding: Department of Health Section 64 Grant
Tommy's the Baby Charity
