Disparities in pregnancy smoking rates indicate the need for new smoking cessation intervention strategies geared to low-income women. Information about natural patterns of advice giving during pregnancy would facilitate this goal. This study examines the advice-giving role of close female friends and relatives (‘confidantes’) during pregnancy and assesses the utility of including them in an intervention. Methods: A questionnaire was administered verbally to 225 pregnant women enrolled in the WIC Program and/or receiving care at a public obstetrics clinic. Information was collected on the presence and characteristics of confidantes; the types of advice confidantes give on health-related matters; and the persuasiveness and content of their advice, in general, and with respect to smoking, specifically. Comparative information about the advice women received from their doctors and partners was also collected. Results: Most women (91.4%) identified at least one advice-giving confidante during pregnancy, and primary confidantes were most often mothers (33%). About 89% of the women reported having a husband or partner. For advice given about pregnancy-related health behavior, doctors were rated most persuasive, followed by confidantes, and partners. All differences were significant at the .05 level. A similar pattern was observed among pregnancy smokers in relation to advice given about smoking during pregnancy. As compared to doctors, confidante advice was significantly more tolerant of smoking during pregnancy. Conclusion: While women value their doctors’ advice during pregnancy, close female friends and relatives also appear to play an important role. Educational efforts may be effective when directed at these advice givers.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, the participant will be able to: 1. Describe the prevalence and characteristics of female friends and relatives ('confidantes') who offer their advice on pregnancy. 2. Identify the relative role of confidantes as advice givers during pregnancy as compared to doctors and partners. 3. Assess the utility of including confidantes in prenatal interventions, in particular smoking cessation programs
Keywords: Smoking Cessation, Pregnancy
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.