Correlates of postpartum smoking relapse - Results from the Pregnancy RiskAssessment Monitoring System (PRAMS)

Background: Using population-based data from the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS), this study examines the prevalence and intensity of smoking before, during, and after pregnancy, and identifies correlates of postpartum smoking relapse. Methods: Women who delivered live births in 1996 responded to a mailed ques tionnaire approximately 2 to 6 months after delivery (N=17,378). Data from 10 states Participating in PRAMS were included in the study, and the overal l participation rate was 75%. Analyses were adjusted for survey design and sampling strategy. Logistic regression analysis identified independent corr elates of smoking relapse. Results: Overall, 25.6% of women reported cigarette smoking before pregnanc y. Among women who smoked before pregnancy, 44.5% quit during pregnancy. Am ong women who quit during pregnancy, half relapsed by the time of the surve y. Independent correlates associated with increased risk of postpartum rela pse included African American race/ethnicity, multiparity, high maternal we ight gain, late or no prenatal care, and stressful life events. Conclusions: Correlates of postpartum smoking relapse identified by this st udy may contribute to the development of effective and targeted interventio ns to maintain long-term smoking cessation.