Professor Michael Ussher Professor of Behavioural Medicine, Institute of Population Health Research, St George's, University of London
Abstract
Medicines which are effective for aiding smoking cessation are either contraindicated in pregnancy or have not been shown to be helpful. More non-pharmaceutical interventions are needed. We tested whether offering a physical activity programme, involving regular treadmill walking and advice about becoming more active, helps pregnant women to stop smoking.
785 women were recruited at their first antenatal booking visit. They were randomised to standard stop smoking service support or to this support plus a physical activity programme. We compared women’s success at quitting at the end of their pregnancy between the two groups.
Women in the physical group reported doing significantly more physical activity. At the end of pregnancy, slightly more women quit smoking in the physical activity group (7.7%) compared with the other group (6.4%), but this difference was not statistically significant and would not be considered clinically important. Babies’ and mother’s health through pregnancy and at the birth was very similar in the two groups. This presentation will briefly presented the methods and results of the trial and will highlight lessons learned, particularly those related to recruiting the women and to maximising exercise adherence.
Source of funding: National Institute of Health Research (NIHR)
Health Technology Assessment (HTA) programme
Declaration of interest: I have no conflicts of interest.
