Tobacco-Related Disparities in Specific Populations

Research

The effects of Arkansas Master Settlement spending on disparities in smoking
A recent study assessed the effects of Master Settlement Agreement (MSA) spending on smoking disparities in Arkansas, a state that invests all of its MSA funds in health-related programming. The researchers examined Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) survey data from 1996 through 2009 to determine the smoking prevalence among different populations and how these figures changed over time. After the implementation of MSA-funded programs, smoking rates declined among men, which decreased the disparity in smoking prevalence between men and women. Smoking among Hispanics also declined to rates near those of non-Hispanic Whites. The results show that MSA-funded programs were effective in certain populations, and future MSA tobacco control programs should be targeted at populations in which less progress has been made. Read the study abstract published in the American Journal of Public Health here.

Women and tobacco: A call for including gender in tobacco control research, policy and practice
In a newly-published literature review, researchers characterized trends in tobacco use and exposure among women and girls, the effects of tobacco control programs, as well as ways to address tobacco use among females around the world. The authors note that although tobacco use is on the decline in high-income countries, disparities remain, particularly by socioeconomic status. Meanwhile, in low- and middle-income countries, the approach to tobacco control is largely gender-blind, with limited adaptation of research, policy, and programs to address tobacco use among women. With female smoking predicted to double globally between 2005 and 2025, the authors recommend that public health practitioners study the context and gender-specific challenges of smoking and secondhand smoke exposure. Click here to view the abstract of the article in Tobacco Control.

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Reports

National African American Tobacco Prevention Network (NAATPN) unveils new website
The National African American Tobacco Prevention Network (NAATPN) has launched a brand new website to create a one-stop repository of information on tobacco control issues affecting the black community. The site is also designed to keep the community abreast of current events, trends and the latest happenings in tobacco control relevant to African Americans. The new website is more user friendly, and some of its new features include articles and journals from experts in African American tobacco use, an interactive map, and an updated list of culturally and community appropriate cessation materials and resources. As one of six CDC-funded national networks, the NAATPN is dedicated to facilitating the development and implementation of comprehensive and community competent tobacco control programs to benefit communities and people of African descent. Participation in NAATPN is open to any individual or organization that is willing to assist in decreasing the impact of tobacco in Black communities. Click here to access the website, www.naatpn.org. For more information about NAATPN and joining the network, contact thenetwork@naatpn.org.

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