Date of Graduation
2000
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Type
MS
Committee Chair
M. Z. A. Nomani
Abstract
Cigarette smoking is a risk factor in respiratory disease, cancer and cardiovascular diseases and other health problems. The purpose of the study was to determine the effects of smoking on white blood cells and to assess the relation between smoking, red blood cells, nutrient intake, and newborn weight among pregnant WIC participants residing in Northern West Virginia. The study consisted of 110 pregnant women. Data for this study were obtained by in-person interviews at the clinical site or at the participants' home. The findings of the study indicated that the smokers, white blood cells and lymphocytes were positively associated with the number of cigarette/day (r =0.39, r = 0.45, p< 0.05), suggesting respiratory or other health problems among the smokers. Serum B12 was negatively associated with increasing number of cigarette/day (r= -0.21, p< 0.03). With the increasing number of cigarettes per day, there was a negative association with vitamin A, vitamin C, carotene, and fiber from vegetables. Further findings also noted that smokers gave birth to smaller babies, (p< 0.05). Thus it may be concluded that smoking effected white and red blood cells, nutrient intakes and pregnancy outcome.
Recommended Citation
King, Rebecca, "The effects of smoking on blood cells, and the association between smoking and nutrient intake among pregnant women residing in northern West Virginia." (2000). Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports. 10499.
https://researchrepository.wvu.edu/etd/10499