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Preventing smoking relapse in postpartum women
J L Johnson1, P A Ratner, J L Bottorff
1School of Nursing, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada. johnson@nursing.ubc.ca
Nursing Research
|February 10, 2000
Summary
Postpartum smoking relapse is common, but a nurse-led intervention improved continuous smoking abstinence rates by 11% at six months. This study highlights the importance of postpartum support for sustained smoking cessation.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Behavioral Science
- Clinical Trials
Background:
- Many women cease smoking during pregnancy but relapse postpartum.
- Postpartum smoking relapse poses significant health risks to mothers and infants.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate a nursing intervention aimed at preventing smoking relapse in the postpartum period.
- To compare continuous smoking abstinence, daily smoking rates, and self-efficacy between intervention and control groups.
Main Methods:
- A randomized clinical trial involving 254 women who quit smoking during pregnancy.
- Intervention included in-hospital and telephone counseling by nurses.
- Smoking status was biochemically assessed at 6 months postpartum.
Main Results:
- Continuous smoking abstinence at 6 months was 38% in the intervention group versus 27% in the control group.
- Daily smoking was reported by 34% of the intervention group compared to 48% of the control group.
- No significant difference in smoking cessation self-efficacy was observed between groups.
Conclusions:
- Prenatal smoking cessation interventions alone are insufficient for long-term abstinence.
- Extending smoking cessation support into the postpartum period is crucial for sustained success.