Tobacco Cessation for pregnant Women
Tobacco consumption is one the risk factors for Cancer. In India, tobacco added a major burden on the total cancer cases and nearly 45% of cancers among males and 20% of cancers among females are due to tobacco use. Non-carcinogenic effects of tobacco consumption during pregnancy are well established. The tobacco consumption prevalence among pregnant women is higher than the national averages in Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra and Gujarat.
The project focuses to establish and document a model for tobacco cessation among women through Ante-Natal Care (ANC) services. The objectives of the project are as follows:
- To assess the prevalence and the patterns of the tobacco use among pregnant women
- To assess the knowledge about harmful effects of tobacco
- To assess the outcomes of a brief tobacco cessation intervention (LifeFirst)
- To assess the pregnancy outcomes among women who stopped tobacco use
Established in 1993, Ambuja Cement Foundation is a grassroots pan-India implementing organization that harnesses the power of partnerships –between communities, Government and other like-minded corporates and NGOs – to help solve pressing community problems and to foster prosperity.
This action research project will be integrated in the already established Maternal Child Health program. The program will include awareness and counselling sessions for pregnant women consuming Tobacco. This in turn will decrease the non-carcinogenic effects on the pregnant women and fetus.