Factors predicting pregnancy smoking in southern Appalachia

Objective: To examine sociodemographic, medical, and substance use factors associated with smoking continuation during pregnancy. Methods: Data from 221 consecutive prenatal patients were analyzed. Results: Of the 67% who were pre-pregnancy smokers (n = 148), 27% quit during pregnancy, whereas another 43% reduced by > 1/4 pack/day. Women who continued to smoke had lower incomes, more prior pregnancies, were less likely to have adequate prenatal care, and smoked more and for more years than did women who quit during pregnancy. Conclusion: Several characteristics predicted pregnancy smoking in this sample. Results suggest ways to more effectively target pregnant women for successful smoking cessation.