Understanding pregnant women’s adherence‐related beliefs about Nicotine Replacement Therapy for smoking cessation: A qualitative study

• DOI: 10.1111/bjhp.12463
• Publication Date: 2020-08-29T14:10:44Z
• Authors: Lisa McDaid; Ross Thomson; Joanne Emery; Tim Coleman; Sue Cooper; Lucy Phillips; Linda Bauld; Felix Naughton
• Keywords: Nicotine replacement therapy; Thematic Analysis; Quitline; Overconfidence effect

Introduction Reducing smoking during pregnancy is a public health priority. Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) offered routinely to pregnant women who smoke in the United Kingdom. However, evidence of treatment efficacy this population weak, most likely due poor adherence. Guided by Necessity‐Concerns Framework, we conducted qualitative study better understand women’s perceived needs and concerns regarding NRT use, with consideration combination NRT. Methods Semi‐structured interviews were telephone 18 or recently England Wales, purposively sampled for different NRT‐related experiences. Participants recruited online via Facebook adverts through Stop Smoking Service. A hybrid approach deductive inductive thematic coding was used analysis. Results Findings organized around three themes: 1) role motivation stop smoking; 2) necessity beliefs about using NRT; 3) Some reported fluctuating stopping which undermined their use. Others cut down number cigarettes they smoked. Reasons low included preference quitting unassisted, unrealistic expectations efficacy, overconfidence achieving cessation (necessity testing). Concerns safety, particularly increased nicotine exposure NRT, addictiveness, side effects, capability Conclusion Pregnant have multiple that influence use Targeting these, alongside increasing maintaining quit smoking, will help optimize improve rates.