Disparities

Research

A comparison of abstinence outcomes among gay/bisexual and heterosexual male smokers in an intensive, non-tailored smoking cessation study
Previous studies indicate that smoking is more prevalent among lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) individuals than the general population, but little is known about smoking cessation outcomes in LGB populations. A recent study compared the outcomes of an intensive, non-tailored smoking cessation treatment program among gay/bisexual (GB) men versus heterosexual (HT) men. At two weeks after their quit date, GB men had a significantly higher quit rate than the HT men; however, quit rates at the end of the study were similar. The samples of GB and HT smokers in this study were demographically similar, so further research is needed to characterize cessation results among the broader population of GB smokers. Click here to read the abstract of the study in Nicotine & Tobacco Research.

Intention to quit smoking among lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender smokers
In a recent study guided by the theory of planned behavior (TPB), researchers identified beliefs related to attitudes, perceived behavioral control, and subjective norms, as well as LGBT-specific variables, to explain variance in intention to quit smoking in the next 6 months in LGBT smokers. The data suggested that sociodemographic and LGBT-specific variables were not related to intention to quit smoking, However, several elements of TPB were relevant, specifically behavioral, normative, and control beliefs. Positive attitudes and beliefs that cessation would generate health benefits were significantly associated with intention to quit. Click here to read the abstract of the research in Nicotine & Tobacco Research.

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Reports

Smoking cessation during substance abuse treatment: Is it mission possible?
A recent commentary in the Psychiatric Times newsletter discusses research on the benefits and barriers to offering tobacco cessation interventions in substance abuse treatment settings. For example, there is a common misconception that smoking cessation can impede recovery from other addictions, even though research has shown that smoking cessation does not have a negative impact on substance abuse treatment or outcomes of sobriety. Although substance abusers may face different challenges to smoking cessation compared to individuals without other addictions, the author suggests that all smokers should at least be given a brief intervention using the “5 A’s” approach described in the U.S. Public Health Service’s Clinical Practice Guidelines. Click here to read the full story.

Stress, W.Va. culture big factors in high rate of pregnant smokers (WV)
To combat the state’s high prevalence of smoking among pregnant women, West Virginia’s Right From the Start program provides in-home services, including cessation counseling, to pregnant women who are eligible for Medicaid. The regular visits from trained registered nurses or licensed social workers help build a sense of trust and friendship. Women are given long-term support with transportation to doctor’s appointments and referrals to services such as the WIC program and the state quitline. Right From the Start’s evidence-based Smoking Cessation and Reduction In Pregnancy Treatment program, or SCRIPT, is being reviewed in a four-year study by the National Cancer Institute and George Washington University to determine how to expand the program to all Medicaid-eligible smokers. Read more here.

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