Characteristics and correlates of quitting among black and white low-income pregnant smokers

Abstract

Objectives: To examine race-specific differences in correlates of cessation in low income pregnant women. Methods: Two hundred forty-eight low-income black and white pregnant women who smoked regularly prior to pregnancy were interviewed to assess several potential correlates of quitting. Results: Race differences emerged in characteristics commonly thought to influence quitting including income, education level, marital status, nicotine dependence, and smoking history. However, race was not correlated with having quit smoking, nor did it influence the effect of other variables in quitting. Conclusions: Factors that influence the decision to quit smoking during pregnancy do not appear to differ between low-income black and white women.