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Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) are a
relatively recent phenomenon, serving dual roles as
an alternative vehicle for nicotine delivery and a
smoking-cessation tool. The purpose of a new study
was to determine pregnant women's knowledge,
attitudes, and practice regarding electronic
cigarettes.
A voluntary, anonymous survey was distributed to a
convenience sample of pregnant women presenting to a
university-based outpatient clinic.
After survey completion, participants received
information about smoking cessation and
e-cigarettes. Data were examined using [chi]2 and
Fisher exact tests and analysis of variance. Stata
was used for the analysis.
Of the 326 surveys distributed, 316 were completed
(97%).
Of the 316 participants, 42 (13%) reported having
ever used e-cigarettes.
Only 2 (0.6%) reported current daily use.
Ever users were slightly older (27.3 years vs 25.4
years; P = 0.007) and more likely to be current
smokers (43% vs. 14%; P < 0.001) compared with women
who had never used electronic cigarettes.
Knowledge of the harms of smoking was similar
between the 2 groups.
Overall, 57% of all respondents believed that
e-cigarettes contain nicotine, 61% that e-cigarettes
can be addictive, and 43% that e-cigarettes are less
harmful to a fetus than traditional cigarettes.
Among ever users, the most common reasons given for
the use of e-cigarettes were the perception of less
harm than traditional cigarettes (74%) and help with
smoking cessation (72%).
Misconceptions about e-cigarettes are common among
pregnant women, potentially motivating use that may
pose risks to both maternal and child health.
Screening and education regarding e-cigarettes
should be included in prenatal care.
Future research in this area is necessary, including
research examining pregnancy outcomes among women
who use e-cigarettes.
See also
E-Cigarette Use in the Past and Quitting Behavior in
the Future (2015-04-29)
E-cigarettes an emerging public health concern
(2015-03-02)
E-cigarettes contain up to 10 times carcinogens:
Japan research (2014-12-01)
E-Cigarettes: Dutch and EU sound alarm about
possible risks (2013-12-03)
For more information
Journal of Addiction Medicine
Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practice of Electronic
Cigarette Use Among Pregnant Women
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