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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Timothy R. Jordan, PhD, MEd¹, Joseph A. Dake, PhD, MPH², and James H. Price, PhD, MPH¹. (1) Department of Public Health, University of Toledo, 2801 W. Bancroft, Mailstop 119, Toledo, OH 43606, 419-530-4725, tjordan2@utnet.utoledo.edu, (2) Division of Health, Wayne State University, 262 Matthaei Bldg., Detroit, MI 48202

Objective: To assess Ohio OB/GYN's perceptions and use of the 5A's method of smoking cessation with pregnant patients that smoke. Methods: A three wave mailing procedure was used with a statewide random sample of OB/GYN physicians who responded (N=125; 50% response rate) to a valid and reliable 31-item questionnaire. Results: Regarding the 5A's method of smoking cessation, almost all (98%) asked their pregnant patients about smoking but fewer respondents engaged in advising (66%), assessing (42%), assisting (29%), and arranging for follow-up visits or referrals (6%). Higher efficacy expectations were associated with greater use of the 5A's method (r = 0.52, p < 0.001). A majority believed that two cessation activities would result in smoking cessation in pregnant smokers: explaining the dangers of smoking (65%) and referring pregnant smokers to smoking cessation programs (57%). However, 26% of physicians reported that they were “slightly confident” or “not confident at all” in their ability to refer pregnant smokers to such programs and 6% of physicians reported always providing smoking cessation referrals. A significant proportion of respondents believed that prenatal smoking would not cause “severe” effects for the unborn child but would likely lead to “moderate” (46%) or “minor” (3%) health effects. Conclusion: OB/GYNS face many competing demands for their time and energy, yet 62% believed smoking cessation advice would be of significant value. Physicians with higher levels of efficacy expectations reported significantly greater use of the 5 A's. Future research should explore ways to facilitate OB/GYN's use the 5A's method.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to

• explain OB/GYN’s use of the 5A’s with pregnant patients who smoke,
• describe the efficacy expectations of OB/GYNs regarding the 5A’s, and
• describe ways to facilitate OB/GYN’s use of the 5A’s.

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Not Answered