Learning Objectives: identify characteristics predictive of successful postpartum quitting behavior
Abstract:
Problem/Objective: Pregnancy is a time when women are often motivated to quit; however, relapse rates are high. Little research exists that looks at predictors for successful postpartum quitters.
Methods: Expectant women who reported smoking at any time during the pregnancy were identified and contacted by phone. A nurse completed an initial telephone assessment and subsequently attempted to follow-up each trimester and postpartum (PP) to assess current smoking status and willingness to quit. Education on the benefits of quitting and assistance with arranging support services were provided at each contact.
Results: The majority of successful postpartum quitters (SPPQ) were contacted early in the pregnancy (Fisher’s exact £ .040). Women who quit on their own, prior to initial contact were significantly more likely to be a SPPQ (Fisher’s exact £ .001). SPPQ were significantly more likely to report not being around others who smoke (Fisher’s exact £ .0054) and to have made previous attempts to quit (p £ .025). SPPQ rated themselves as highly motivated and confident in their ability to quit (p £ .001). The desire to remain smoke free for life reached near significance (p=.056).
Conclusions: SPPQ are highly motivated and confident in their desire to quit. They initiate prenatal care early and quit on their own without formal programs. Exposure to other smokers in their immediate environment is limited. Lack of significance for a high desire for lifetime quit may reflect patient’s wavering feelings of confidence about quitting in the vulnerable postpartum period where stress is high.
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