THE ROLE OF SMOKING IN THE LIVES OF LOW-INCOME PREGNANT ADOLESCENTS -A FIELD-STUDY

This study examined the role of cigarette smoking in the lives of low- income, pregnant adolescents. Based on in-depth interviews, subjects' beliefs and attitudes toward smoking are described. The findings indic ate that this population smoked to cope with increased weight gain; to deliver smaller infants which in turn would decrease the duration of labor and reduce the pain of delivery; to counteract anxiety arising f rom feelings of abandonment; and to establish an identity separate fro m their parents' and peers' drug abuse. These results suggest that low -income, pregnant adolescents perceive immediate benefits from cigaret te smoking that outweigh long-term health consequences. It is argued t hat smoking-prevention programs based on an inaccurate understanding o f the social context in which smoking occurs can reinforce the use of tobacco among high-risk, pregnant adolescents. Suggestions are offered to improve prevention programs targeted at low-income, pregnant teena gers.