Effectiveness of the BabyBreathe intervention for maintaining postpartum smoking cessation: multicentre pragmatic randomised controlled trial

Citation

Notley C, Belderson P, Clark L, Brown TJ, Bauld L, Clark AB, Duneclift S, Gilroy V, Harris T, Hardeman W, Holland R, Howard G, Smith D, Turner D & Ussher M (2026) Effectiveness of the BabyBreathe intervention for maintaining postpartum smoking cessation: multicentre pragmatic randomised controlled trial. BMJ, 2026 (394), Art. No.: e100242. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj-2026-100242

Abstract
Objective: To assess the effectiveness of an interpersonal and digital intervention, BabyBreathe, for maintaining postpartum smoking cessation. Design: Multicentre pragmatic individually randomised controlled trial. Setting: Community health visiting services in the UK. Participants: 887 pregnant women and people who reported quitting smoking in the 12 months before, or during, pregnancy, with abstinence verified by exhaled carbon monoxide readings. A secure web based randomisation sequence, stratified by recruitment hub, partner smoking status, and quit timing (before or during pregnancy), was used to randomise participants (1:1) to receive the intervention or usual care. The trial was unblinded. Intervention: BabyBreathe comprised in-person or remote smoking cessation maintenance interpersonal support at 28-32 weeks’ gestation and 10-14 days post partum. The BabyBreathe box, posted at the time of birth notification, contained theory driven advice for cessation maintenance, a sample of nicotine replacement gum, and motivational tools. Tailored motivational and educational text messages were provided. A website and app provided tailored cessation maintenance advice, social support, motivational tools, and gamification. Control was usual postpartum care. Main outcome measure: The primary outcome was continuous smoking abstinence, verified by exhaled carbon monoxide concentration (≤7 parts per million (ppm)) 12 months post partum. Results: Between 4 September 2021 and 3 August 2023, 887 participants were randomised: 442 to receive BabyBreathe and 445 to receive usual care. After one post-randomisation exclusion, 886 participants were included in an intention-to-treat analysis. The group difference in smoking abstinence at 12 months post partum was not significant (BabyBreathe 242/441 (54.9%) v usual care 222/445 (49.9%); odds ratio 1.23, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.94 to 1.60, P=0.13, risk difference 4.8% (-1.7% to 11.2%), and number needed to treat (NNT) 21 (NNT to benefit 8.9 to ∞) and NNT to harm 59). A post hoc per protocol analysis favoured the intervention (BabyBreathe 200/347 (57.6%) v usual care 222/445 (49.9%); adjusted odds ratio 1.36, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.81, P=0.04), risk difference 7.2% (0.3% to 14.1%), and NNT 13.9 (7.1 to 333.3). No trial related adverse incidents occurred. Conclusions: BabyBreathe did not statistically significantly increase sustained smoking abstinence post partum for people who quit smoking in pregnancy. A post hoc per protocol analysis, including only those who received interpersonal support as intended, showed statistically significantly greater benefit from BabyBreathe over usual care. A focus on fidelity and further targeting of BabyBreathe to groups with lower socioeconomic status may be warranted.

Notes
Additional authors: Felix Naughton, Kieran Reynolds, Susan Stirling

• Babybreathe-accepted