Feasibility Study of Smoking Cessation in Pregnant and Postpartum Adolescents in Rural Appalachia

Objectives: Pregnant and postpartum adolescents living in the rural and mountainous Appalachian region face health disparities that impact their health behaviors and health outcomes. The purpose of the study was to facilitate the accessibility of a smoking cessation intervention among a group of at-risk pregnant and postpartum adolescents living in a residential group home to examine its feasibility in this vulnerable population.

Methods: Feasibility study evaluating the implementation of a developmentally appropriate 5As smoking cessation intervention designed to reduce smoking and provide perinatal healthy lifestyle education among a small group of vulnerable pregnant and postpartum adolescents living in a residential home in the Appalachian state of West Virginia. The study examined smoking status, tobacco resistance self-efficacy, and coping behavior measurement.

Results: The program facilitated improvement in the participants’ perception of ventilating feelings and perception of seeking professional support. Additional modifications to the smoking cessation program are needed to appropriate the program to this vulnerable adolescent population living in a residential group home.

Conclusions: Recommendations for program adjustments when working with vulnerable pregnant and postpartum adolescents in West Virginia includes developing trust and adapting program delivery methods to meet the needs of this at-risk population.

Author(s): Dr. Ilana R Azulay Chertok

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