Editorial

Could Religious Participation Be Recommended as a Therapeutic Intervention for Pregnant Cigarette Smokers?

Authors: Patricia B. Santora, PhD, Jack E. Henningfield, PhD

Abstract

Cigarette smoking during pregnancy is one of the most important preventable causes of adverse pregnancy outcomes.1 Adverse outcomes include spontaneous abortion, low birth weight, and preterm deliveries, as well as negative health and developmental problems such as sudden infant death syndrome, and attention deficit and other behavioral disorders.2,3 These effects are largely preventable by smoking cessation, with the strongest benefits occurring the earlier that cessation takes place.3,4 Effective smoking cessation interventions include behavioral programs and medications approved by the Food and Drug Administration. However, labeling of over-the-counter products (eg, nicotine gum and patches) urges pregnant women to consult a health professional before use, and prescription product labels (eg, nasal nicotine spray, bupropion and varenicline) include pregnancy warnings.4,5 Although barriers to treatment utilization by pregnant women are now being addressed at the national level,6–8 additional prenatal smoking interventions are clearly needed to tackle the large number and great diversity of needs and situations confronting pregnant women who use tobacco products.2

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References

1.Ershoff DH (ed). Helping Pregnant Women Quit Smoking: Progress and Future Directions. Nicotine Tobacco Res 2004;6(suppl 2):S95–S277.
 
2.Ershoff DH, Ashford TH, Goldenberg RL. Helping pregnant women quit smoking: an overview. Nicotine Tobacco Res 2004;6(suppl 2):S101–S105.
 
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7.Orleans CT, Melvin CL, Marx JF, et al. National action plan to reduce smoking during pregnancy: the National Partnership to Help Pregnant Smokers Quit. Nicotine Tobacco Res 2004;6(suppl 2):S269–S277.
 
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9.Larson DB, Swyers JP, McCullough ME (eds). Scientific Research on Spirituality and Health: A Consensus Report. Rockville, MD: National Institute for Healthcare Research, 1997.
 
10.Miller WR. Toward a biblical perspective on drug use. J Ministry Addiction Recovery 1995;2:77–86.
 
11.May GG. Addiction & Grace: Love and Spirituality in the Healing of Addictions. New York, Harper Collins Publishers, 1998.