Researchers will be assessing the smoking status of all pregnant women and will invite current smokers and recent quitters to enroll in the study. Women are then randomized to either the new computer-based intervention or to an enhanced standard care approach. Participants will then be followed throughout the pregnancy and up to 12 months post-partum to determine quit rates. Self-reported quit rates will be validated with two biochemical markers, exhaled carbon monoxide and urinary cotinine. If proven effective, the impact on both the patient and the newborn has tremendous public health importance.
Few interventions can be as beneficial as helping a patient stop smoking.
In a pregnancy, the benefits are doubled by improving the environment for the developing fetus. To date, over 60 women have been enrolled into the study, and are being followed. Practitioners in the WPCC can refer patients to one of the study nurses, Ann Meers or Diane Oppert. Questions regarding participation or the protocol should be directed to Dr. Ruggiero at 874-2830.