Smoking and pregnancy outcome: Trends among black teenage mothers in Missouri

Objectives. The purpose of this study is to analyze the smoking changes that have occurred among pregnant Black teenagers in Missouri. The study also examines changes in Black teenage pregnancy outcomes in relation to smoking behavior changes. Methods. This analysis used computerized data files from the 1978 to 1990 Missouri birth certificates to acquire information on smoking during pregnancy for 41 544 Black teenagers and 105 170 White teenagers. All Missouri births with smoking history were included in the study. Results. During the study period, the rate for Blacks who smoked during pregnancy decreased from 37% in 1978 to less than 22% in 1990. A large part of this reduction is attributable to Black teenagers, whose smoking- during-pregnancy rate declined from 35.8% to 7.2%. Additionally, the Black teenage-specific low-birthweight rate decreased by 13.6% over the study period, possibly influenced by the decrease in smoking. Conclusions. The results indicate that a major norm has changed in smoking status among pregnant Black teenagers. Understanding the reasons behind this change could assist smoking cessation and other health promotion efforts.