Characteristics of Smoking in Low-Income Pregnant Latina and White Women

Abstract

Smoking during pregnancy is hazardous as it poses numerous risks to both the mother and the unborn child. Formerly, interventions that were successful for White smokers were thought to be equally appropriate for all smokers. It is now acknowledged that there is a need to tailor interventions for distinct ethnic and cultural groups. This study¹ was designed to identify variables that are associated with smoking status in a low-income sample of pregnant Latina and White women. Results indicate that Latinas had lower levels of addiction to cigarettes and were less likely to have partners who smoked than White women. Identifying differences in the characteristics of ethnically diverse pregnant smokers will assist in the development of interventions that are tailored for women who attend prenatal clinics.