Tobacco-Related Disparities in Specific Populations

Research

Decreases in smoking prevalence in Asian communities served by the Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health (REACH) project
A new study indicates that the smoking prevalence has decreased in Asian communities served by the Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health (REACH) project. Researchers gathered data in four REACH Asian communities, and compared prevalence rates among men with nationwide and state-specific data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS). The results show that the prevalence decreased more among men in the REACH communities than in the general U.S. or Asian-American/Pacific Islander populations. Cambodian and non-English speaking Vietnamese men smoke at higher rates than men nationwide, demonstrating a need for continued interventions to reduce these disparities. Read the study abstract, published in the American Journal of Public Health.

Association of socioeconomic position with health behaviors and mortality
Research published in the Journal of the American Medical Association shows that the relationship between socioeconomic status (SES) and mortality is mostly attributable to health behaviors such as physical activity, diet, alcohol consumption, and smoking. A total of 9,590 civil servants enrolled in the British Whitehall II cohort study were followed from 1985 to 2009. Individuals with the lowest SES had a 60% greater risk of death than those with the highest SES. Controlling for health behaviors weakened the relationship between SES and mortality risk. Smoking was the health behavior related most strongly to both SES and death risk, making it the main explanatory factor for the difference in mortality among socioeconomic classes. Click here to read the abstract.

Predictors of smoking reduction among Blacks
A recent study has found several predictors of smoking cessation and reduction among Black light smokers. Compared to those who reduced their cigarette consumption, non-reducers were more likely to smoke within thirty minutes of waking, have lower baseline smoking levels, higher baseline cotinine levels, report less stress, and have higher Smoking Consequences Questionnaire (SCQ) scores on negative social impression. Compared to those who had quit, those who only reduced their smoking had a higher baseline smoking level, lower nicotine dependence, higher baseline cotinine levels, lower body mass index, higher levels of stress, and lower SCQ scores on negative social impression. Click here to read the study abstract, published in Nicotine & Tobacco Research.

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Reports

American Lung Association releases report on lung cancer in African Americans: Calls for eliminating health disparities
The American Lung Association has released a synthesis of research regarding lung cancer disparities among African Americans. The report, Too Many Cases, Too Many Deaths: Lung Cancer in African Americans, provides information about the biological, environmental, political, and cultural factors that affect African Americans’ chances of developing and dying from lung cancer. These factors include tobacco use, preventive behavior, socioeconomic status, environmental exposures, genetics, access to care, quality of care, racism, and social stress. Additionally, the report includes notes about where progress has been made, and where future improvements are needed. This report is the first in a series taking an in-depth look at lung health disparities in specific populations. Click here to read more, or view the report.

Depression and Smoking in the U.S. Household Population Aged 20 and Over, 2005–2008
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have released a new report that used the 2005-2008 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data to examine cigarette smoking among adults with depression. Among the key findings are that adults with depression were more likely to smoke and to smoke more heavily than those without depression; the percentage of adults who were smokers increased as depression severity increased; and adults with depression were less likely to quit smoking than those without. In summary, people with depression and other mental illnesses comprise a disproportionate share of the smoking population and are an important group to target for cessation programs. Click here to read the full report.

Cherokee Nation to promote healthy eating, tobacco cessation efforts
The Cherokee Nation has announced that it is partnering with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to develop strategies to promote healthy eating, physical activity, and tobacco cessation throughout the tribe. Local media tactics will be used to promote healthy food and beverage choices, and the tribe will work with schools to make healthy foods and physical education options more available in schools. Communities and businesses will be encouraged to implement tobacco-free policies and access to cessation services will be increased for people living in tribal areas. Read more here.

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