Dr Allison Ford, Ms Kathyrn Angus and Ms Lesley Sinclair
Presenter(s)
Lesley Sinclair Researcher, University of Stirling and UK Centre For Tobacco & Alcohol Studies
Abstract
Introduction
UK smoking in pregnancy rates remain high and continue to be an important public health issue. A deeper understanding of what helps and hinders women to quit is key to developing innovative interventions to support cessation. This study builds on findings from a systematic review conducted by our team and explores pregnant women’s perceptions of the barriers and facilitators to smoking cessation.
Methods
Forty-one interviews with pregnant smokers (26) and quitters (15) across two sites in England and Scotland were conducted between October 2013 and June 2014 regarding smoking, smoking cessation and interventions to support cessation.
Results
Analysis was guided by the Social Ecological Framework. The themes most important to cessation in pregnancy at the individual level were the perception of risk to the baby, self-efficacy, and smoking as a way of coping with stress. At an interpersonal level, partners’ emotional and practical support, and smoking behaviour were important. At an organisational level, referral pathways, service image, the type of advice received, flexibility in support, relationships with healthcare professionals and CO monitoring were important.
Conclusion
Effective interventions for smoking cessation in pregnancy must take account of the interplay between the individual, interpersonal and environmental aspects of women’s lives.
Source of funding: National Institute for Health Research Health Technology Assessment Programme (project number 11/93/01)
