Perceptions and use of electronic cigarettes in pregnancy. Issue 1 (27th January 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: McCubbin, Andrea; Fallin-Bennett, Amanda; Barnett, Janine; Ashford, Kristin
• Is Part Of: Health education research. Volume 32:Issue 1(2017)
• Page Start: 22
• Page End: 32
• Publication Date: 2017-01-27
• Subjects: Health education -- Periodicals; Health education -- Study and teaching -- Periodicals; 613.071
• DOI: 10.1093/her/cyw059
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0268-1153

Abstract

Abstract: Use of electronic cigarettes (e-cigs) is quickly growing in the United States, despite the unknown health implications and unregulated device contents. Although research is emerging around e-cigs in general, there continues to be a lack of scientific evidence regarding the safety and risks of e-cig use on maternal and fetal health, even though adverse health effects of nicotine on maternal and fetal outcomes are documented. This review summarizes existing perceptions of e-cig use in pregnancy, based on the limited number of publications available, and highlights the necessity of conducting additional research in this field of public health. Authors conducted a literature search of scientific peer-reviewed articles published from January 2006 to October 2016, comprising more than a decade of research. Search keywords include 'tobacco use', 'electronic cigarette(s)' and 'pregnancy'. Fifty-seven publications were identified, narrowed to fifteen by screening title/abstract for potential relevance, with seven articles chosen for final inclusion. Of these seven studies, most participants not only believed e-cigs pose risks to maternal and child health but also perceived e-cigs as a safer and potentially healthier alternative to traditional cigarettes, and may assist with smoking cessation. Further research is needed to determine health implications and provide clinical guidelines for e-cig use in pregnancy.