Weight Concerns, Body Image, and Smoking Continuation in Pregnant Women in Rural Appalachia

Objective To examine the relationship between pre-pregnancy weight and body image concerns and smoking status in late pregnancy. Methods Participants included 172 pregnant smokers. Pre-pregnancy weight and body image concerns were assessed during first trimester via the Weight Concern Scale and Body Image Concern Inventory. Smoking status was evaluated at third trimester via self-report. Results Logistic regression analyses revealed that weight concerns played a significant role in smoking continuation in late pregnancy. Conclusions Beliefs about weight control properties of cigarettes may play an important role in smoking continuation among pregnant women. These findings suggest assessing weight concerns with pregnant women who smoke in an effort to facilitate successful cessation.