Abstract
Introduction
Smoking during pregnancy is a primary risk factor for adverse perinatal outcomes.
Although electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) use has increased, reasons for and behaviors
of use are not fully understood. The purpose of this study, composed exclusively of
pregnant current smokers, was to describe perceptions of health risks associated with
e-cigarette use among pregnant women, describe the use patterns of pregnant dual users
(defined as those who simultaneously use conventional/combustible cigarettes and e-cigarettes),
and examine smoking-related behaviors between conventional-only (defined as those
smoking combustible cigarettes but not e-cigarettes) and dual users.
Methods
Cross-sectional data from a larger study of pregnant conventional-only and dual users
were analyzed. A brief survey measured perceptions of prenatal e-cigarette use and
smoking behaviors. Analysis included descriptive statistics, bivariate analysis, and
logistic and linear regression analysis.
Results
Among 176 pregnant smokers (38% dual users), more than one-half of participants believed
e-cigarettes were harmful to women (56%) and posed harm to the fetus (53%). Among
dual users, 41% used their e-cigarette daily, on average eight times per day. Eleven
percent of dual users smoked a pack of cigarettes per day, compared with 5% of conventional-only
smokers, and dual users scored significantly higher (p = .026) on the Penn State Cigarette Dependence Index. The most common e-cigarette
liquid flavor was fruit (64%), and the most frequently reported e-cigarette nicotine
concentration was 1–6 mg.
Conclusions
Characterizing perceptions and behaviors of e-cigarette use during pregnancy is foundational
for future research to explore the association between product use and maternal and
infant outcomes.
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Biography
Andrea McCubbin, MPH, is the Director of Perinatal Research Operations for the Perinatal Research and Wellness Center at the University of Kentucky College of Nursing. Her research interests include the impact of tobacco use on perinatal health, and interventions for cessation.
Biography
Amanda Wiggins, PhD, is a lecturer and statistician for the University of Kentucky College of Nursing. She is the Director of Data Management and Outcomes for UK's BREATHE team. Her scholarly work primarily focusses on tobacco, adolescent healths, and perinatal research.
Biography
Janine Barnett, MSN, is the Nurse Research Coordinator for the Perinatal Research and Wellness Center at the University of Kentucky College of Nursing. She has also worked as a labor and delivery nurse, childbirth educator, and obstetric clinic instructor.
Biography
Kristin Ashford, PhD, WHNP-BC, FAAN, is the Director of the Perinatal Research and Wellness Center, a Professor, Associate Dean of Undergraduate Faculty Affairs, and Women's Health Nurse Practitioner at the University of Kentucky College of Nursing.
Article info
Publication history
Published online: May 03, 2020
Accepted:
March 20,
2020
Received in revised form:
February 27,
2020
Received:
August 23,
2019
Identification
Copyright
© 2020 Jacobs Institute of Women's Health. Published by Elsevier Inc.
