Perceptions of Electronic Cigarettes Among Medicaid-Eligible Pregnant and Postpartum Women

Introduction:
This text provides an analysis of the qualitative study examining perceptions and beliefs about electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) use during pregnancy among pregnant and newly postpartum women. The study aimed to describe the attitudes of Medicaid-eligible pregnant and newly postpartum women in Kentucky who reported smoking before or during pregnancy. The study's findings offer valuable insights into the perceptions of e-cigarettes among this vulnerable population.

Key Points:

* The study employed an exploratory, qualitative descriptive design, focusing on 12 pregnant or recently postpartum women who reported using tobacco and electronic cigarettes.
* Four primary themes emerged from the study: (a) Attraction to e-Cigarettes as a Harm Reduction Strategy, (b) Uncertainty Regarding the Health Effects of e-Cigarettes, (c) Ambivalence Regarding Novel Product Characteristics, and (d) Behaviors Reflected Dual Use and Often Complete Relapse to Traditional Cigarettes.
* Participants were attracted to e-cigarettes as a harm reduction strategy, driven by the belief that e-cigarettes are less harmful than traditional cigarettes.
* Despite the attraction, participants expressed uncertainty regarding the health effects of e-cigarettes due to mixed messages from healthcare providers and the newness of the device and its components.
* Participants reported dual use of traditional cigarettes and e-cigarettes during pregnancy and relapse to traditional cigarettes during the postpartum period.
* The e-cigarette marketing claims, mixed messages from healthcare providers, and the ongoing debate over e-cigarette safety may overshadow the known risks of nicotine use during pregnancy.
* There is a need for clear messages regarding the adverse fetal effects of nicotine exposure and the development of evidence-based methods to prevent postpartum relapse to smoking.

Main Message:
The study emphasizes the importance of clear communication and education about e-cigarettes for pregnant and postpartum women. The findings highlight the need for consistent messaging from healthcare providers regarding the potential risks of e-cigarette use during pregnancy. Furthermore, the study underscores the significance of developing evidence-based methods for preventing postpartum relapse to smoking, which could ultimately contribute to healthier outcomes for both mothers and their newborns.

Fallin, Amanda, Alana Miller, Sara Assef, and Kristin Ashford. “Perceptions of Electronic Cigarettes Among Medicaid-Eligible Pregnant and Postpartum Women.” Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic & Neonatal Nursing 45, no. 3 (May 2016): 320–25. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jogn.2016.02.009.