Feasibility of implementation of a Dutch smoking cessation and relapse prevention protocol for pregnant women

A cross-sectional design was used to asses whether Dutch midwives trained to use a smoking cessation counseling protocol appreciated it and could implement it in routine care. Midwives received a questionnaire after the implementation period of the effectiveness study was finished. In total, 118 midwives from 42 practices participated in the study, 69 midwives (58.5%) returned the questionnaire. To validate the results collected among midwives, clients who participated in the study were also questioned about the information they received about smoking cessation from their midwife. Experimental midwives more often reported giving the advice to quit (B = 0.50, S.E. = 0.24, P < 0.05), setting a quit date with clients who indicated to be motivated to quit (B = 1.69, S.E. = 0.28, P < 0.001) and discussing aftercare (B = 1.10, S.E. = 0.25, P < 0.001). These results were confirmed by data collected among clients. This easy-to-implement program is recommended for broad dissemination. Further investigation is needed to improve the partner and postpartum component. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.