Effectiveness of a video-based smoking cessation intervention focusing on maternal and child health in promoting quitting among expectant fathers in China: A randomized controlled trial

A previous study reported that smoking outside the home and away from the infants or pregnant women (thirdhand smoke) does not completely protect a smoker’s home from environmental tobacco smoke contamination and infants or pregnant women from exposure to it [4]. A systematic review of 9 qualitative studies published before 2014, summarizing the barriers to and facilitators of smoking cessation by male smokers during their partners’ pregnancy, found that most expectant fathers were aware of the adverse health effects of smoking but did not recognize that they extended to pregnant women and fetuses [11]. Using video as a medium to convey information, we expected that smoking expectant fathers who received the intervention would increase their understanding of smoking hazards during pregnancy and postpartum and hence become more motivated to quit smoking. Because of the shifts in masculinity associated with impending fatherhood, expectant fathers’ responsibilities as providers and role models for children increases, which may increase their willingness to quit smoking [8]. Expectant fathers were excluded if they were unable to provide informed consent or receive counseling because of impaired mental status, cognitive impairment, or communication barriers identified from their medical records or if they had participated in other smoking cessation programs or services.