Learning Objectives: Understand the project including process and outcome evaluation findings. Understand the impact of Great Start at the state and local level.
Abstract: Audience: Health care providers, particularly those serving pregnant women, program managers at the state and local level, and quitline managers. This individuals either directly encounter pregnant smokers or provide services that include pregnant smokers. Key Points: In December 2001, a collaboration of the American Legacy Foundation, American Cancer Society, a voluntary bi-partisan group of Governor’s spouses and the wife of the mayor of the District of Columbia, and the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO), launched a prenatal smoking media campaign and quitline. The program, called “Great Start” is designed to raise awareness of the harm of smoking during pregnancy and the importance of sustained cessation during and after pregnancy. The campaign’s primary audience is pregnant smokers, ages 15 years to 24 years, of low education and income levels. Advertisements aired statewide in participating states and nationally. A toll-free quit line (operated by ACS) offers information or cessation assistance, including brief phone counseling and support sessions, supported by a specialized science-based protocol. This session will review Great Start evaluation data. Follow-up with Great Start participants took place at three and six months post quit date and examined various factors including quit rates, variables leading to success, and barriers to a successful quit attempt. Educational Experience: Participants will learn key factors that impact the likelihood a pregnant smoker will be successful in her quit attempt. Benefits: Health care workers and other tobacco control managers will better understand the unique cessation needs of pregnant smokers.
Back to Poster Session
Back to Cessation, Nicotine, and the Science of Addiction
Back to The 2003 National Conference on Tobacco or Health (December 10-12, 2003)