Use of Coping Techniques as a Predictor of Lapse When Quitting Smoking among Pregnant and Non-Pregnant Women

We examined the number of lapses among pregnant and non-pregnant women when trying to quit smoking, number of coping techniques used, and the relationship between any lapse and usage of coping techniques. Forty women were followed over a two-week period. On day 14, the women rated how often eleven different coping techniques were used. One-fourth of the women lapsed every day. If non-pregnant, the odds ratio was eight times higher compared to being pregnant for any lapse during the period. Being pregnant gives a higher success rate in attempts to quit smoking. (Am J Addict 2007;16:238-243)