Stress and nicotine dependence during pregnancy among women in Low-SES communities in the Western Cape: The mediating effects of social support

Abstract

Health behaviours during pregnancy are of great significance due to its associated health consequences for both the woman and the developing foetus. There is a large body of existing knowledge demonstrating the profound harmful effects of cigarette smoking on maternal and foetal health. Given the significant smoking rates and the related negative birth outcomes and health impact on infants, understanding who smokes during pregnancy and the factors influencing this behaviour is imperative for the creation of effective intervention programs. The overarching aim of the study was to determine the relation between stress and nicotine dependence among a sample of pregnant women residing in low socio-economic status communities in the Western Cape. The study further aimed to determine the extent to which social support mediates this relation