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. 2017 Aug;21(8):1655-1661.
doi: 10.1007/s10995-016-2257-9.

Prevalence and Perceptions of Electronic Cigarette Use during Pregnancy

Nicholas J Wagner  1 , Marie Camerota  2 , Cathi Propper  3
Affiliations

Prevalence and Perceptions of Electronic Cigarette Use during Pregnancy

Nicholas J Wagner et al. Matern Child Health J. 2017 Aug.

Abstract

Objectives The current study is the first to assess pregnant women's perceptions of e-cigarettes and the prevalence of e-cigarette use during pregnancy, using a national sample of pregnant women (N = 445) recruited online. Methods An online survey was used to assess the prevalence and perceptions of e-cigarette use among pregnant women, including perceptions of e-cigarette safety. Results In our sample, 5.62% (n = 25) of women solely used tobacco cigarettes, 6.52% (n = 29) solely used e-cigarettes, 8.54% (n = 38) used both tobacco cigarettes and e-cigarettes, and 79.33% (n = 353) used neither tobacco cigarettes nor e-cigarettes during their current pregnancy. Overall, 64.27% (n = 286) of participants viewed e-cigarettes as being safer than tobacco cigarettes. Having seen advertisements for e-cigarettes increased likelihood of viewing them as safer than tobacco cigarettes (OR [Odds Ratio] = 2.5, p < .01). Conclusions for Practice Taken together, findings from this study suggest that at least as many women use e-cigarettes during pregnancy as tobacco cigarettes, that pregnant women view e-cigarettes as being safer than tobacco cigarettes, and that these views may be influenced by exposure to e-cigarette advertisements.

Keywords: Electronic cigarettes; Maternal health; Nicotine; Pregnancy; Smoking.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Flow of Pregnant Women Recruitment and Participation.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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