Social Support and Smoking during Pregnancy

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Public Health
• Sociology

Background:

• Smoking during pregnancy and low social support are independent risk factors for adverse birth outcomes.
• The impact of social support on smoking behaviors during pregnancy requires further investigation.
• This study explores the relationship between different types of social support and smoking in pregnant women.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the association between specific domains of social support (tangible, appraisal, belonging) and smoking during pregnancy.
• To investigate potential racial differences in the influence of social support on smoking behaviors during pregnancy.

Main Methods:

• A survey of 227 pregnant women in their first trimester was conducted using self-administered questionnaires.
• The Interpersonal Support Evaluation List (ISEL) was used to measure social support.
• Multiple logistic regression analyses were performed to calculate Odds Ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals.

Main Results:

• A 6% increase in the odds of smoking during pregnancy was associated with each unit increase in total social support.
• A significant interaction between race and social support was found.
• Tangible and appraisal support were linked to smoking in African American women, while belonging support was linked in Caucasian women.

Conclusions:

• Racial disparities may influence how social support affects smoking during pregnancy.
• Further research is needed to understand these racial differences and inform intervention strategies.
• Smoking cessation interventions should consider racial differences in social support when targeting pregnant women.