Research Projects

smokeless tobacco (sT) is prevalent among females in India, with its harmful effects during pregnancy not well explored. This study aims to design and evaluate the effectiveness of a multicomponent behavior-centered intervention to reduce sT use among pregnant women of low socio-economic status using a randomized control trial in an urban community setting. The intervention package will be based on behavioral economics, social cognitive theory, transtheoretical model, and health belief model. The project will be carried out in a phased manner, starting with systematic literature review, sampling, development of the intervention, pretesting, baseline assessment, and delivery to both intervention and control groups. Post-intervention assessment will be conducted at 3 months and 6 months postintervention, with each group containing 100-150 participants. The effectiveness of the intervention will be assessed using sophisticated regression models and statistical procedures. The study's results will help obstetricians, gynecologists, public health, mental health professionals, economists, policymakers, and the government in timely detection, screening, and management of nicotine dependence by promoting low-cost community-based interventions and healthy behavior-based life styles for reducing smokeless tobacco use among pregnant women.