Ngaa-bi-nya-nhumi-nya (to Test First): Piloting the Feasibility of Using the Growth and Empowerment Measure with Aboriginal Pregnant Women Who Smoke

INTRODUCTION: Aboriginal pregnant women who smoke experience barriers to quitting, including challenges to social and emotional well-being, but these are infrequently quantified. Finding an appropriate measurement tool in this setting is crucial to increase knowledge for holistic smoking cessation interventions. AIMS: To pilot the Growth and Empowerment Measure (GEM) with a sample of pregnant Aboriginal women who smoke. METHODS: Aboriginal women participating in the step-wedge ICAN QUIT in Pregnancy pilot study completed the GEM comprised of 14-item Emotional Empowerment Scale (EES14), 12 Scenarios (12S), and K6 items at baseline, 4 weeks, and 12 weeks. Qualitative interviews with service staff were held at the end of the study to assess feasibility. RESULTS: 15 pregnant Aboriginal women took part between November 2016 and July 2017. At 12 weeks, n = 8/12 (67%) of women reported an increase in both the EES14 and 12S scores. Total 12S scores were significantly higher at 12 weeks (p = 0.0186). Total K6 had a nonsignificant trend for reduction (p = 0.0547). Staff reported that the length of the survey presents challenges in this setting. CONCLUSIONS: A shortened, modified GEM is recommended in this setting. We recommend the GEM to be tested in a larger study, powered to assess its associations with smoking behaviours.