Pregnancy Lifestyle Survey 2017 V1.0
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Attitudes to and use of electronic cigarettes: a multi-centre longitudinal cohort survey of smokers, recent ex-smokers and vapers during pregnancy and postpartum
IRAS ID
222886
Contact name
Sue Cooper
Contact email
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 11 months, 0 days
Research summary
Finding effective ways to help pregnant women quit smoking and to remain stopped is a public health priority. Smoking when pregnant affects the health of the mother and her unborn baby and also the child once it is born and growing. Currently around 12% of women smoke throughout their pregnancy, but is much higher in some areas of the UK.
This survey aims to explore prevalence of electronic cigarettes (EC) use, compare characteristics of those who use or don't use ECs, and examine attitudes to ECs in smokers, recent ex-smokers and vapers during and after pregnancy. The project also forms part of a wider programme of research by the research team to explore the potential use of ECs as an intervention for helping women to quit smoking during pregnancy and/or prevent them from restarting after delivery.
We aim to recruit 600-800 women aged 16 or over; between 8 and 24 weeks pregnant; who either currently smoke tobacco, have recently stopped smoking or currently use ECs on a daily or occasional basis.
Recruitment will take place in hospital antenatal clinics (ANCs) across a range of UK geographical locations. For representative sampling, we aim to recruit from a number of different ANCs at each site and would invite all women attending to complete an anonymous screening questionnaire to determine eligibility.
The study involves the completion of three questionnaires. The first questionnaire will be completed in ANC when the woman is between 8 and 24 weeks gestation. The other questionnaires, one in late pregnancy and one 3 months after delivery, will be sent and completed by post, email/online or telephone. The total duration of the study is 20 months. Each participant will be in the study for up to 47 weeks, depending on gestation at recruitment and date of delivery.
REC name
South West - Frenchay Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
17/SW/0095
Date of REC Opinion
6 Apr 2017
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion