Research

Smoking cessation processes in low SES women
Researchers at the University of Illinois at Chicago examined how both pregnancy and previous participation in smoking interventions affect several smoking outcomes in women of low socioeconomic status. All smoking outcomes, including quitting, stage of readiness, action, motivation, self-efficacy and confidence were positively associated with health concerns and negatively associated with stress. While pregnancy was generally responsible for better smoking outcomes, stress and health concerns appeared to mediate this relationship. Moreover, participation in additional smoking interventions only impacted women’s motivation to quit. Click here to access the study abstract, published in Addictive Behaviors.

Large cigarette tax increases may reduce smoking but also lead to bootlegging
Recent research suggests that raising cigarette taxes as a means to curb tobacco use might be compromised by illegal cigarette sales in low-income neighborhoods. In order to identify the effects of increased cigarette taxes on disadvantaged communities, researchers conducted 14 focus groups with current smokers in Central Harlem, NY. While interest in quitting was high among focus group participants, they revealed that bootleggers consistently make cigarettes easier to access than cessation services. The study also identified a general acceptance of smoking and a distressing socioeconomic environment as factors that impede successful quit attempts. Click here to read more.

Canadian smoking treatment focuses on aboriginals
The Tobacco Healing Centre, located in Ottawa, recently opened its doors and will focus its efforts on facilitating smoking cessation for aboriginals. It is Canada’s first residential treatment center solely for tobacco cessation.  The clinic claims to have an 80% quit rate and expects to serve 1,500 clients per year. In 2002, a survey revealed that 64% of adult First Nations people smoke and it is recognized that this aboriginal population has a complex relationship with tobacco. To lead by example, The Assembly of First Nations is paying for 20 of its staff to attend the clinic for one week. To read more click here.

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