Tobacco use and cessation among pregnant Alaska natives from Western Alaska enrolled in the WIC program, 2001-2002

Christi A. Patten, Caroline C. Renner, Paul A. Decker, Ester O'Campo, Karin Larsen, Carrie Enoch, Kenneth P. Offord, Richard D. Hurt, Anne Lanier, Judith Kaur

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

19 Scopus citations

Abstract

Objectives: This study examined the rate of tobacco use (cigarette smoking and smokeless tobacco [ST]) at three time points: during the 3 months before pregnancy, during pregnancy, and at 6 weeks postpartum among Alaska Native women residing in the Y-K Delta region of Western Alaska. Methods: A retrospective, non-randomized observational cohort design was utilized. The sample consisted of 832 Alaska Natives (mean maternal age = 26.2 years, average length of gestation = 3.8 months) seen at their first prenatal visit and enrolled in the women, infant, and children (WIC) program at the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta Regional Hospital in Bethel, Alaska, during a 2-year-period (2001-2002). Tobacco use was assessed using an interview format at the first prenatal and at the 6-week postpartum visits. Results: The rates of any tobacco use were 48% (95% CI 45%, 52%) 3 months before pregnancy, 79% (95% CI 76%, 82%) during pregnancy, and 70% (95% CI 67%, 74%) at 6 weeks postpartum. The proportion of women using ST changed significantly (P < 0.001) over the three time points (14%, 60%, and 61%, respectively) as well as the proportion of women who smoked cigarettes (P < 0.001) (40%, 42%, and 19%, respectively). Conclusions: This study documents the high rate of tobacco use, particularly ST use, during pregnancy among Alaska Native women. Development of tobacco use prevention and cessation interventions during pregnancy for Alaska Native women is warranted.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)S30-S36
JournalMaternal and Child Health Journal
Volume12
Issue numberSUPPL. 1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 2008

Keywords

  • Alaska Native
  • Cessation
  • Pregnancy
  • Tobacco
  • WIC

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Epidemiology
  • Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health
  • Obstetrics and Gynecology
  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

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