Gestational Women’s Perceptions About the Harms of Cigarette and E-Cigarette Use During Pregnancy.

Introduction:
This text presents the results of a study examining the perceived harm of cigarette and electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) use during pregnancy, as well as differences in healthcare providers' communication about these products. The study surveyed gestational women in the US and found that participants believed adverse health outcomes were more likely to be caused by maternal use of cigarettes than e-cigarettes. Participants who planned to be pregnant reported higher endorsement of the harm of cigarette use compared to currently pregnant participants. Healthcare providers were found to ask about, advise against, and talk to women about the effects of smoking cigarettes significantly more than e-cigarettes.

Key Points:

* The study is a cross-sectional survey of gestational women in the US.
* Participants believed adverse health outcomes were more likely to be caused by maternal use of cigarettes than e-cigarettes.
* Participants who planned to be pregnant reported higher endorsement of the harm of cigarette use compared to currently pregnant participants.
* Healthcare providers asked about, advised against, and talked to women about the effects of smoking cigarettes significantly more than e-cigarettes.
* The study sample was predominantly white, highly educated, and employed full-time.
* The study used a convenience sample and self-reported measures, which may limit the generalizability of the results.
* The study did not assess the relative harm of e-cigarettes compared to cigarettes, but rather the perceived absolute harm of e-cigarettes.

Main Message:
The main message of this study is that gestational women may perceive e-cigarettes to be less harmful than cigarettes, and healthcare providers should communicate the risks of e-cigarette use during pregnancy. Healthcare providers should perform the 5As behavioral intervention method to provide pregnant women with tobacco cessation care and discuss the absolute harm nicotine exposure (via cigarettes or e-cigarettes) can have on fetal health and development. The study's findings highlight the need for targeted education and communication efforts to address the potential risks of e-cigarette use during pregnancy.

Dobbs PD, Lu Y, Maness S, et al. Gestational Women’s Perceptions About the Harms of Cigarette and E-Cigarette Use During Pregnancy. Maternal and child health journal. 2021;25(8):1209-1220. doi:10.1007/s10995-020-03085-0