Simple and Effective Multimodal Smoking-Cessation Intervention for Expectant Fathers

Exposure to secondhand smoke in pregnant women is associated with stillbirth, birth defects, and other adverse outcomes. In this randomized trial, researchers evaluated the effectiveness of a simple multimodal smoking cessation intervention for expectant fathers.

Researchers in Hong Kong enrolled 1053 male smokers (mean age, 34) with nonsmoking pregnant partners. The intervention group received brief cessation advice, a 1-week supply of nicotine-replacement therapy (NRT; patches or gum), and referral to a community-based smoking-cessation service. The control group received brief cessation advice, a pamphlet on the hazards of perinatal tobacco smoke exposure, and a toll-free quit phone number. At 6 months, abstinence (as measured by exhaled …