Analysis of smoking cessation beliefs in pregnant smokers and ex-smokers using the Theory of Planned Behavior

Aim: To analyze the association between smoking cessation beliefs and smoking status, and between smoking cessations beliefs and intention to quit, using the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB). Subjects and methods: An observational study using a questionnaire was performed; data were collected from 264 Flemish pregnant smokers and ex-smokers before week 16 of pregnancy. Results: There was a significant difference in the behavioral beliefs of the TPB between smokers and ex-smokers, after controlling for education and age. All respondents experienced more support from their non-smoking partners to maintain abstinence during pregnancy. We found no significant difference in the behavioral beliefs of the TPB between respondents with low and high intention to quit smoking. Conclusion: Our results suggest that attitude, subjective norms, support especially from the partner, and perceived behavioral control are associated with actual smoking behavior in pregnant women and not with intention to quit smoking. It is important to engage the partner and/or significant others in smoking cessation counselling so that they can support the pregnant woman in an attempt to quit or to maintain abstinence.