NESCi Study: Parent preferences for smoking cessation on NICU
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A developmental study to investigate parent and staff preferences for the design and delivery of a smoking cessation intervention for parents and family members of neonates admitted to a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)
IRAS ID
227516
Contact name
Caitlin Notley
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of East Anglia
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 4 months, 0 days
Research summary
This study aims to develop a supportive intervention to help women and their partners to either stop smoking, or to stay stopped from smoking (‘relapse prevention’), following the birth of a baby who spends time on a special care unit.
Approximately a quarter of women in the UK report smoking in the 12 months before pregnancy. Over half of these women manage to quit during pregnancy, but others struggle to quit or do not want to. Of those who quit, many re-start smoking again after their babies are born. This might especially be the case if the baby is premature or unwell, as it can be a very stressful time. Cigarette smoking can severely affect the health of the mother, and the baby. Smoking is the leading preventable cause of death in adults, causing 80% of deaths from lung cancer and bronchitis. Babies exposed to ‘second hand smoke’ (passive smoking) have higher risks of cot death and suffering from breathing problems and ear infections. These risks are even higher for premature babies, who already have higher risks of infection and have very delicate lungs.
We will then gather the views of women, partners and health professionals in discussion groups, by having conversations, and by undertaking guided discussions. We are committed to working closely with people who will benefit from our work throughout the whole research process. Following this we will apply for research funding to develop an ‘intervention’ to help women and their families to stop, and stay stopped, from smoking. The intervention may include medication, electronic cigarette use, specialist behavioural support, social support and incentives to remain smoke free. We will also explore ways to deliver the intervention. We will then test out the intervention in a research trial.
REC name
HSC REC A
REC reference
17/NI/0110
Date of REC Opinion
23 Jun 2017
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion