Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #116186

Rebecca L. Majdoch, MPH, Louisiana Campaign for Tobacco Free Living, Louisiana Public Health Institute, 1600 Canal Street, Suite 1028, New Orleans, LA 70112, (504) 301-9843, bmajdoch@lphi.org and Wodajo Welldaregay, DrPH, MPH, Department of Public Health, Dillard University, 3601 Gentilly Blvd., New Orleans, LA 70122.

Problem/Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess the readiness to quit smoking of women in the perinatal period in 15 Louisiana clinics. Methods: Source data came from health survey forms filled out by pregnant and postpartum women in 15 clinics in Louisiana during their first prenatal or post-partum visit. MYFSF follow-up surveys were completed by a healthcare provider for smokers or recent quitters. Readiness to quit was based on patient self report, using “Stages of Change Theory” developed by Prochaska and DiClementi (1983). Survey data were entered into SPSS for analysis. Results: Of 5,424 women surveyed, 1,881 (34.7%) self-identified as current smokers or recent quitters (quit after becoming pregnant). When asked, “Are you ready to quit in the next month?” 74.4% responded “yes”, 17.9% responded “not sure” and 7.8% responded “no”. When the same question was asked by healthcare providers, respondents reported being in action and preparation most frequently (70.3%). 21.2% of respondents were in contemplation and 8.5% were in pre-contemplation. Several personal factors, including number of previous pregnancies and smoking related habits showed statistically significant correlation with readiness to quit (Chi-square tests, p=.000). For example, women with their first pregnancies are more ready to quit than women with several previous pregnancies. Conclusions: Women are more often in preparation or action stages during early perinatal visits, offering an opportunity for healthcare providers to help patients quit smoking and remain quit post-partum. Healthcare providers should tailor messages to each individual's personal and smoking related characteristics during brief cessation counseling.

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