Judgments of risk for consequences of continuing or quitting smoking--a study of pregnant and nonpregnant women intending and not intending to quit

Abstract

Objectives: To study perceived smoking-related consequences of continuing and of quitting smoking.

Methods: Eighty women, with subgroups formed by pregnant/nonpregnant women and trying/not trying to quit smoking, performed judgments of the probability for consequences to occur given the conditions of continuing or quitting smoking.

Results: For both the pregnant and nonpregnant women, the probability that consequences will occur was rated as less likely given the condition of quitting smoking. The condition of quitting had its greatest effect on the probability that somatic consequences would occur.

Conclusion: Consequences of smoking for somatic health should be stressed in health promotion, especially to pregnant women.