Interventions for Smoking Cessation During Pregnancy (Research Paper Sample)

Interventions for Smoking Cessation during Pregnancy
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Abstract
Smoking during pregnancy is a public health concern due to its adverse outcomes. Approximately 1 in 14 women in the United States smoke while pregnant, despite known risk factors such as poor birth outcomes and congenital deformities. This paper analyzes the existing smoking interventions for pregnant women by reviewing existing peer-reviewed studies on related topics. It evaluates the use of pharmacological and non-pharmacological (behavioral) interventions applicable in maternal smoking and their potential risks on pregnancy outcomes. Pharmacological interventions approved by the FDA include nicotine replacement therapy, Bupropion, and Varenicline. There are limited studies on the safety and efficacy of these drugs during pregnancy; they used in case of heavy nicotine dependence and where non-pharmacological interventions may be solely ineffective. Behavioral interventions focus on addressing mental, social, and emotional factors associated with maternal smoking. Key strategies include counseling, health education, feedback, and social support. Behavioral counseling is the most recommended line of treatment for smoking in pregnancy as it has higher demonstrated cessation rates. A combination of pharmacological and behavioral interventions is quite effective in smoking cessation for pregnant women with higher levels of nicotine dependence.
Introduction
Normally, pregnancy provides a unique opportunity for involved women to quit smoking due to concerns about the health and well-being of their babies. However, women in high-risk groups still manifest elevated smoking rates while pregnant, making it a public health concern. 1 in 14 women (approximately 7.2%) who gave birth in the U.S. in 2016 disclosed that they had smoked tobacco during pregnancy (CDC, 2018). Various social factors are associated with tobacco use during pregnancy. The most prevalent ones are lower socioeconomic status, nicotine addiction, alcohol, and substance abuse, mental ill-health, unsupportive partner, and high-stress levels (Diamanti et al., 2019). The risks of smoking are well documented and constitute adverse outcomes for the involved individuals. Tobacco use is one of the leading preventable causes of