Pregnant smokers' perceptions of specialist smoking cessation services. (11th October 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Butterworth, Sarah J.; Sparkes, Elizabeth; Trout, Alison; Brown, Katherine
• Is Part Of: Journal of smoking cessation. Volume 9:Number 2(2014:Dec.)
• Page Start: 85
• Page End: 97
• Publication Date: 2013-10-11
• Subjects: Smoking cessation -- Periodicals; Tobacco use -- Treatment -- Periodicals; Smoking -- Health aspects -- Periodicals; 616.86506
• DOI: 10.1017/jsc.2013.25
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1834-2612

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="normal"> <title> <x content-type="archive" xml:space="preserve">Abstract</x> </title> <p> <bold>Introduction:</bold> Women who continue to smoke during pregnancy are at risk of smoking-related diseases, maternity complications and expose the foetus to risks of perinatal mortality and morbidity. The number of women smoking at the time of delivery is estimated at 13.5% in England and 15.8% in the West Midlands. However, the prevalence can be elevated in certain areas, such as north Solihull.</p> <p> <bold>Aims:</bold> This research consults past, current and non-users of specialist smoking cessation services and reports pregnant women's views of smoking cessation delivery and potential service developments.</p> <p> <bold>Methods:</bold> Focus groups were conducted with 19 participants with experience of prenatal smoking.</p> <p> <bold>Findings:</bold> Data was analysed using thematic analysis. The main themes included: (1) improving access to clear, sensitive information on smoking and pregnancy; (2) perceptions of existing services; (3) improving current services: the right delivery and the right person; and (4) encouraging participation of pregnant smokers.</p> <p> <bold>Conclusions:</bold> In this area, pregnant smokers wanted easily-accessible, empathetic, non-judgemental and flexible support more than incentives or rewards to quit smoking. They also stated a preference for group cessation support as they believed that peer support would be advantageous.</p> </abstract>