Promoting smoking cessation in pregnancy via partner support and incentives: Preliminary results of Tasmania-wide study

Objectives: Reduce the incidence of smoking during pregnancy using a world-first strategy of incentivising partners of pregnant women to be better quit buddies.

Methods: All eligible (>15 years old, smoked in last 7 days) pregnant women, receiving antenatal care via the Tasmania Health Service, were invited to participate in the study (May 2015 – Dec 2016). Following an initial 90 minute enrolment consultation with researchers (where baseline level of smoking was confirmed [carbon monoxide breath sample] and a quit date within 2 weeks encouraged), women were randomised to either a Control or Intervention group. Control group participants were rewarded with a AU$50 shopping voucher monthly if they verified as quit (CO <7ppm). Intervention group participants, and their designated support person, were each rewarded a AU$50 shopping voucher if the participant (pregnant smoker) verified as quit during monthly verification visits. Participants were eligible for monthly quit incentives until 6 months postpartum.

Results: Eighty-nine women were enrolled. Overall, 21% of women quit during the study. 31% of women in the Treatment group quit, compared to 11% of women in the Control group.