The Topic for Health Promotion
The topic of discussion focused on examination of the relationship that exists between mental health factors and smoking cessation among the pregnant mothers. According to Gyllstrom, Hellerstedt, and Hennrikus, it is highly recommended for pregnant mothers to quit smoking as a way of protecting the unborn child from physical and mental problems (2012). However, medical researchers have confirmed that smoking cessation may be very challenging for this population, especially for those who have been addicted for some time. It was important to determine the variables that may lead to postpartum relapse or a relapse during the period of pregnancy. As Storrs notes, some women find it easy to stop smoking during this period while others find it very challenging (2015). In this review, the researcher will compare and contrast two findings to determine the association between these factors with smoking cessation.
The Intended Audience for Each of the Articles
When conducting a research, scholars are always keen to identify their target audience and find a way of communicating with them in the most effective method possible. It is clear that the first article by Gyllstrom, Hellerstedt, and Hennrikus is intended for two main groups (2012). The first target group includes the medical staff, especially doctors and nurses, who are forced to influence the behavioral pattern of mothers when they are pregnant. The scientific data in this article makes it easy for them to handle this delicate population. The second target audience is the pregnant mothers who should understand the ways in which they can fight addiction to cigarette. The second article by Storrs is targeted towards the medical practitioners. It explains how various variables relate to smoking cessation (2015).
How the Evidence-Based Sources of Information Compare and Contrast
These two articles are very insightful when it comes to the issue of combating smoking during pregnancy and eliminating postpartum relapse. They both share a number of facts when it comes to handling the problem. According to the article by Gyllstrom, Hellerstedt, and Hennrikus, smoking cessation is related to stressful life events that may cause depression (2012). When an individual is depressed, it is easy to relapse into using of substance. The article also states that environmental factors such as education and income levels are also associated with postpartum relapse. This information compares closely with the findings by Storrs (2015). This scholar also emphasizes on the role of environmental factors in the fight against cigarette smoking among pregnant mothers. According to the article, it is true that environmental influencers may impact on one’s ability to quit smoking. Issues such as one’s level of education are very important. Highly learned individuals know the risk they may expose to their children when they continue smoking. They also have knowledge about the measures they can take to control the problem of smoking. This makes it easy for them to quit smoking compared to the less educated mothers.
It is important to note that the two articles differed in some areas when it comes to combating smoking during and after pregnancy. The article by Gyllstrom, Hellerstedt, and Hennrikus focused on the need to put to check the factors such as depression and stressful events as they are the main contributors to postpartum relapse (2012). It holds that a mother who is stressed all the times can easily relapse into smoking. However, the article by Storrs holds that smoking cessation depends on one’s mental strength (2015). A person who has the ability to control the parts of the brain involved in reward and that controlling impulsive behavior can easily quit smoking. Such a person is able to prioritize rewards that come when one stops smoking and the dangers associated with the impulsive behavior of smoking.
Consistency of the Information in the Articles with That in the Required Text Books
The information provided in the articles is consistent with similar information in the required text books. According to Masters, smoking cessation and postpartum relapse are affected by one’s mental strength and environmental factors that may lead to depression (2014). The books confirm the findings in the articles. It is clear from all these sources that promoting smoking cessation and postpartum relapse not only requires one to be mentally strong, but also avoid factors that may be stressful.
How The Findings of the Peer Reviewed Article Coincide With Its Predicted Outcome
The finding of the peer reviewed article coincides with its predicted outcome. The prediction was that issues such as stress and other depressing events may jeopardize the effort against cigarette smoking among expectant mothers. This was confirmed by the scientific findings of the research. It is important to note that the findings are also consistent with the popular article used in this study. Both articles are in agreement with the fact that smoking cessation is more of a mental than a social fight. To win this war, one must be prepared to win mental problems.
Gaps Identified in Each of the Article’s Information That Could Strengthen Integrity
The findings of both articles have some research gaps that may be addressed to strengthen their integrity. In the article by Gyllstrom, Hellerstedt, and Hennrikus, it is not clear how one can determine when a social, economic, or political problem is having a serious bearing that may lead to depression (2012). People always get into depression without their knowledge. Knowing how to detect when a given problem is becoming stressful is very important in managing depression. The article by Storrs, does not clearly state how one can improve the mental strength to be in a position to fight negative impulsive behaviors (2015). The article should have explained how an individual can work on the mental strength to empower her in the fight against smoking during the pregnancy period. Stating the relationship between mental strength and smoking cessation is a step ahead towards addressing the problem. However, it should not stop at that moment. It should also involve identifying how one can work on the mental strength to empower it.
How and When Each Article’s Information Can Be Used for Patient Care
The article by Gyllstrom, Hellerstedt, and Hennrikus can be used for patient care from the first day of prenatal clinic to the day of delivery (2012). The information should also be used for the entire period when the mother is still breastfeeding. It should be used to explain to these mothers how to avoid stressful environmental forces that may lead to relapse into the use of drugs. The second article by Storrs should be used for patients battling against cigarette smoking whether they are expectant or not (2015). When using this article, clinicians may explain to the patients how to improve mental strength.
References
Gyllstrom, E., Hellerstedt, W., & Hennrikus, D. (2012). The Association of Maternal Mental Health with Prenatal Smoking Cessation and Postpartum Relapse in a Population-Based Sample. Matern Child Health Journal, 16(1), 685–693.
Masters, K. (2014). Role development in professional nursing practice. Burlington: Jones & Bartlett Learning.
Storrs, C. (2015). Quitting smoking relies on stronger brain networks.CNN. Web.