Screening practices and attitudes of obstetricians-gynecologists toward new and emerging tobacco products

Introduction:
This article discusses a study examining the screening practices and attitudes of obstetricians-gynecologists towards the use of noncombustible tobacco products during pregnancy. The study surveyed members of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and found that a large proportion of obstetrician-gynecologists report never or inconsistently screening their pregnant patients for the use of noncombustible tobacco products. Additionally, responses regarding the harms of these products relative to cigarettes were mixed and most respondents wanted more information.

Key Points:

* The study was conducted via a survey mailed to members of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, with a response rate of 52% for CARN members and 31% for non-CARN members.
* The survey found that 53% of respondents reported screening pregnant women at intake for noncombustible tobacco product use all or some of the time, while 40% reported none of the time.
* Respondents who reported that noncombustible products have adverse health effects during pregnancy, but are safer than cigarettes, ranged from 20.2% (dissolvables) to 29% (electronic cigarettes).
* Approximately 14% reported that electronic cigarettes have no adverse health effects; < 1% reported no health effects for the remaining products.
* Two-thirds of the respondents wanted to know more about the potential health effects of noncombustible tobacco products; only 5% believed themselves to be fully informed.
* The study found that a large proportion of obstetrician-gynecologists report never or inconsistently screening their pregnant patients for the use of noncombustible tobacco products.
* Responses regarding the harms of these products relative to cigarettes were mixed and most respondents wanted more information.

Main Message:
The study highlights the need for development and dissemination of guidance for providers to improve decision-making regarding noncombustible tobacco products. With the increasing availability of smokeless tobacco and other noncombustible tobacco products, it is important for healthcare providers to be informed about the potential health effects of these products on pregnant women. This is crucial for providing appropriate care and for promoting the health of both the mother and the developing fetus.

England, Lucinda Jane, Britta Louise Anderson, Van Thi Ky Tong, Jeanne Mahoney, Victoria Hope Coleman-Cowger, Paul Melstrom, and Jay Schulkin. “Screening Practices and Attitudes of Obstetricians-Gynecologists toward New and Emerging Tobacco Products.” American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology 211, no. 6 (December 2014): 695.e1-695.e7. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajog.2014.05.041.