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Tobacco Use and Cessation Among Pregnant Alaska Natives from Western Alaska Enrolled in the WIC Program, 2001–2002

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Abstract

Objectives This study examined the rate of tobacco use (cigarette smoking and smokeless tobacco [ST]) at three time points: during the 3 months before pregnancy, during pregnancy, and at 6 weeks postpartum among Alaska Native women residing in the Y-K Delta region of Western Alaska. Methods A retrospective, non-randomized observational cohort design was utilized. The sample consisted of 832 Alaska Natives (mean maternal age = 26.2 years, average length of gestation = 3.8 months) seen at their first prenatal visit and enrolled in the women, infant, and children (WIC) program at the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta Regional Hospital in Bethel, Alaska, during a 2-year-period (2001–2002). Tobacco use was assessed using an interview format at the first prenatal and at the 6-week postpartum visits. Results The rates of any tobacco use were 48% (95% CI 45%, 52%) 3 months before pregnancy, 79% (95% CI 76%, 82%) during pregnancy, and 70% (95% CI 67%, 74%) at 6 weeks postpartum. The proportion of women using ST changed significantly (P < 0.001) over the three time points (14%, 60%, and 61%, respectively) as well as the proportion of women who smoked cigarettes (P < 0.001) (40%, 42%, and 19%, respectively). Conclusions This study documents the high rate of tobacco use, particularly ST use, during pregnancy among Alaska Native women. Development of tobacco use prevention and cessation interventions during pregnancy for Alaska Native women is warranted.

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Acknowledgments

This study was supported by the National Cancer Institute through a supplement to grant U01 CA86098. We wish to thank Eric Bendor, Stephanie Birch, Kathleen Wayne, and others at the State of Alaska for their assistance with obtaining the data set used in this study. We appreciate the assistance and support of the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta Regional Hospital OB/prenatal health care providers including R. N. Ann Glasheen, R. N. Claire Lewis, M. D. Leigh Gill, and M. D. Ellen Hodges. We also acknowledge the assistance of Gail Bierbaum, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, for her assistance with manuscript production.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Mayo Clinic Cancer Center, Charlton 6-273, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA

    Christi A. Patten, Paul A. Decker, Karin Larsen, Kenneth P. Offord, Richard D. Hurt & Judith Kaur

  2. Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, Anchorage, AK, USA

    Caroline C. Renner & Anne Lanier

  3. Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation, Bethel, AK, USA

    Ester O’Campo & Carrie Enoch

Authors
  1. Christi A. Patten
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  2. Caroline C. Renner
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  3. Paul A. Decker
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  4. Ester O’Campo
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  5. Karin Larsen
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  6. Carrie Enoch
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  7. Kenneth P. Offord
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  8. Richard D. Hurt
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  9. Anne Lanier
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  10. Judith Kaur
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Correspondence to Christi A. Patten.

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Patten, C.A., Renner, C.C., Decker, P.A. et al. Tobacco Use and Cessation Among Pregnant Alaska Natives from Western Alaska Enrolled in the WIC Program, 2001–2002. Matern Child Health J 12 (Suppl 1), 30–36 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10995-008-0331-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10995-008-0331-7

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