Tailored Intervention for Smoking Reduction and Cessation for Young and Socially Disadvantaged Women During Pregnancy

Rates of smoking during pregnancy remain high in Canada, and cessation rates are low among women who are younger than 24 years and who are socially disadvantaged, that is, have few social and economic resources because of poverty, violence, or mental health issues. On the basis of findings from literature reviews and consultation with policy makers, we developed and operationalized four approaches that can be used by health care providers to tailor interventions for tobacco use in pregnancy. These four approaches are woman centered, trauma informed, harm reducing, and equitable. Public health initiatives that address smoking in young and socially disadvantaged women could be more sharply focused by shifting to such tailored approaches that are grounded in social justice aims, span pre- and postpregnancy periods, and can be used to address women’s social contexts and concerns. The reach and response of interventions to address maternal tobacco use can be improved by ensuring that care is woman centered, trauma informed, harm reducing, and equitable.