259496 Receiving versus being denied an abortion and subsequent tobacco use

Monday, October 29, 2012 : 5:30 PM - 5:50 PM

Sarah C. M. Roberts, DrPH , Advancing New Standards in Reproductive Health, Dept. of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, Oakland, CA
Diana Greene Foster, PhD , Bixby Center for Global Reproductive Health, Department of Ob/Gyn, University of California, San Francisco, Oakland, CA
Previous research has found women receiving abortions are at increased risk for subsequent tobacco use. However, the literature on this topic is rife with methodological problems, mainly inappropriate comparison groups. This study uses data from the UCSF Turnaway Study, a prospective, longitudinal study of women who sought, but did not necessarily receive abortions at 30 sites across the U.S.. The study includes women just above the gestational limit who were turned away from an abortion (Turnaways n=231), just below the limit who received an abortion (Abortion n=452), and who received a first trimester abortion (n=273). This study examines the relationship between receiving an abortion and tobacco use. Women receiving abortions (Abortion) were compared to women denied abortions (Turnaways). Based on direction of findings from previous literature and an expectation that women who carry pregnancies to term may have extra incentive to stop use, we hypothesized that the Abortion group would have higher levels of tobacco use than Turnaways. Women in the Abortion group had higher rates of tobacco use than Turnaways two weeks after seeking abortion (37% v. 28%, p<.05), perhaps because the Turnaway group was still pregnant. However, there were no differences in tobacco use six months (39% v. 34%) or 1-year (38% v. 40%) after seeking an abortion. Findings suggest that receiving an abortion does not increase risk of tobacco use. Women denied abortions who use tobacco may need additional support to cease use for the remainder of the pregnancy and to maintain cessation in the postpartum period.

Learning Areas:
Social and behavioral sciences

Learning Objectives:
1. Describe the lack of association between receipt of abortion and subsequent tobacco use. 2. Explain need for additional support for women denied abortions who use tobacco.

Keywords: Abortion, Tobacco

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: As a DrPh I conducted the literature review and data analysis for the abstract. My research focuses on substance use and pregnancy. My research interests and experience are in systems- and community-level interventions for alcohol and drug use during pregnancy; Macro-level gender equality and alcohol consumption and problems. I have published and presented my research at conferences in the past.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.

Back to: 3413.0: Maternal Child Health Issues in Tobacco Control