BREATHE: A Realist Evaluation study to understand smoking tobacco cessation and how to support pregnant women with this
The BREATHE study aims to discover the most effective ways to help pregnant women stop smoking, particularly those living in disadvantaged areas. Smoking during pregnancy can lead to serious health problems for both mother and baby, such as premature birth or babies being smaller than expected. While free support is available, it varies. This study, running for 22 months in West Yorkshire, will interview pregnant women and healthcare staff, and look at anonymous hospital data. The goal is to understand what stop-smoking support works best, for whom, and in what situations, to create better recommendations. Improving these services could reduce risks like premature birth and stillbirth for mums and babies.
At a glance
What is this study about?
The BREATHE study is all about understanding how to best support pregnant women in stopping smoking. We know that smoking during pregnancy can lead to significant health problems for both the mother and her baby, such as babies being born too early, or being smaller than they should be. While there's free help available for pregnant women to stop smoking, how this help is given can differ quite a lot across England. This study particularly wants to learn more about women living in areas where there might be more challenges.
This research will take place over 22 months in three NHS hospitals in West Yorkshire. The main goal is to find out what really helps pregnant women to stop smoking, who benefits most from different types of support, and why certain approaches are successful. By gathering this information, the study hopes to create better advice and recommendations for stop-smoking services. Ultimately, improving this support could help reduce the number of babies born too soon or with other health issues linked to smoking during pregnancy.
The study also wants to see if the quality of stop-smoking services can be linked to better outcomes for babies, such as fewer premature births or stillbirths. They will do this by talking to pregnant women and the staff who help them, and by carefully looking at anonymous hospital records. The overarching aim is to make sure all pregnant women, especially those who might need extra support, have the best possible chance to stop smoking for their health and their baby's health.
Key takeaways
- The BREATHE study wants to improve stop-smoking support for pregnant women.
- It focuses on women in West Yorkshire and those in disadvantaged areas.
- Participation involves interviews or anonymous use of hospital records.
- Your experiences could help reduce risks like premature birth.
- You can stop participating at any time.
- The study protects your privacy and keeps your information confidential.
Who may be eligible?
If you're a pregnant woman, you might be able to take part if you are 18 years or older, speak English, are getting care for your pregnancy, and are either using or could use stop-smoking services.
If you work at an NHS hospital in West Yorkshire and help pregnant women with stopping smoking (whether you're a medical professional or in another support role), and you are 18 or over and speak English, you could also be interviewed.
The study will also look at anonymous hospital records from all women who had maternity care at these hospitals over a year, but this data will not include any personal details that could identify anyone.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Are you pregnant and aged 18 or over?
- Do you speak English?
- Are you currently receiving antenatal care?
- Are you either using or eligible for stop-smoking services?
- Do you work in an NHS hospital in West Yorkshire helping pregnant women stop smoking?
What does participation involve?
If you're a pregnant woman taking part, you might have up to three phone or video interviews during your pregnancy. These chats will be about your experiences with stopping smoking and what helped or didn't help you. If you're a staff member, you'll have one phone or video interview. Each interview will focus on your views and experiences with stop-smoking support.
The study will also look at anonymised hospital records. This means your personal details won't be collected, but information like your smoking status when you first saw the midwife, if you were offered help to stop smoking, and your baby's birth details will be used. This information is already collected by the hospital for other reasons and will be made completely anonymous before the researchers see it, meaning it cannot be linked back to you.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS TrustCity onlyLeeds, England
Common questions
What is the main goal of the BREATHE study?
The study aims to find the best ways to help pregnant women, especially those in poorer areas, stop smoking, and to make recommendations for better support services.
Will my doctors know if I take part?
The staff you speak to know about the study because it's happening in their hospitals. Your individual decision to participate in an interview is confidential to the research team.
What happens if I change my mind after joining?
You can leave the study at any time, without giving a reason, and it won't affect your care.
Is my information kept private?
Yes, all your interview recordings will be made anonymous, and no personal identifying information from hospital records will leave the hospital.
Who is paying for this study?
The study is funded by Tommy's, a UK charity focused on preventing pregnancy complications and baby loss.
How to find out more
Tomasina Stacey
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Discussion
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