P3.F114: Vaping During Pregnancy in Northern and Central Rural Wisconsin

Background: Vaping poses significant and an emerging health risk, particularly during pregnancy. Since 2007, there has been a substantial increase in vaping among general population, including pregnant mothers. However, most prior studies have focused on urban population. The aim of our study was to estimate the prevalence of electronic cigarette use in pregnant mothers in northern and central rural Wisconsin and to identify sociodemographic and other factors associated with vaping.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted, linking existing sociodemographic and clinical characteristic of pregnant women form Marshfield Clinic Heath System (MCHS) research data repository. The source population included patients residing within a 20-county region of northern and central Wisconsin. We invited all pregnant mothers from the source population over a one-year time frame to complete the study survey. Contact information for study-eligible individuals was extracted from electronic health records of MCHS. An adaptation of survey recruitment methods outlined by Dillman and colleagues was utilized, including mailed invitation packets with cover letter, study information sheet, survey instrument and return mailer. Follow up reminder and thank you post cards were sent to all individuals. Study was approved by MCHS Intuitional Review Board.

Results: A total of 1199 individuals were invited to take the survey, of whom 432 (35%) responded. The estimated prevalence of current e-cigarette use during pregnancy was 5% (95% confidence interval 2.0, 8.0). Most commonly used brand was Juul, Vuse and Blu. The most common reason for using E-cig was curiosity 54%), pleasing flavors (36%) and assistance in reducing the use of tobacco products (27%). Pregnant women whore were younger, at a lower gestational age, lower income, not married, without other children at home, had lower education were more likely to report current use of electronic cigarette. Current electronic cigarette users perceived electronic cigarettes significantly safer compared to conventional cigarettes.

Conclusion: This was first known study to examine the prevalence of electronic cigarette use in pregnant women in the predominantly rural central and northern Wisconsin. Finding from this study indicate the prevalence of electronic cigarette use in pregnant women in this region was five times greater than that observed nationally. Sociodemographic factors confirmed from our study will aid in better targeted screening, education and electronic cigarette prevention strategies during the course of prenatal in rural areas.