Tobacco-Related Disparities in Specific Populations

Research

Tobacco intervention practices of primary care physicians treating lower socioeconomic status patients
A new study suggests that training physicians on cessation methods will increase the frequency with which they assist their lower socioeconomic (SES) status patients with smoking cessation and refer patients to cessation services. A survey of physicians who treat a high proportion of low SES patients revealed that although physicians knew the importance of smoking cessation, the majority either lacked training in cessation or were unaware of free treatment services for their patients. Those who did have training in cessation reported more positive attitudes, more frequent intervention behaviors, and more familiarity with treatment services. The authors conclude that physicians who treat low SES patients should be trained in smoking cessation in order to increase low SES patients’ access to smoking cessation services. Read the study abstract published in The American Journal of the Medical Sciences here.

Which literacy skills are associated with smoking?
An article published in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health demonstrates that the ability to locate, understand, and use messages about the risks of smoking may impact an individual’s decisions to start smoking or to quit. Previous studies have demonstrated a link between lower literacy and smoking. In the present study, researchers examined individuals’ reading, numeracy, speaking, and listening skills and their effect on smoking regularly and quitting smoking. The results show that increases in reading and numeracy skills increased the odds of smoking cessation, but had no effect on regular smoking habits. The authors of the study suggest that messages aimed at communicating the risks of smoking should be designed so that that everyone, regardless of literacy levels, can easily understand. Read the study abstract here.

Interest in participating in smoking cessation treatment among Latino primary care patients
A new study suggests that healthcare providers should intervene with all Latino smokers, including light smokers and those who do not initially report interest in quitting smoking. Researchers conducted interviews among urban Latinos seen in community clinics to determine correlates of interest in participating in smoking cessation programs. Sixty-three percent of participants reported being interested in smoking cessation programs, with heavier smoking habits and greater nicotine dependence being among the factors predicting readiness to quit. The researchers state that healthcare providers should continue to recommend counseling, social support, and pharmacotherapy to their Latino patients who smoke. Read the study abstract published in the Journal of Clinical Psychology in Medical Settings here.

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Reports

Smoke alarm: No noticeable decrease in smoking in American Indian smoking (NM)
Health officials have not seen a decrease in smoking rates among Native Americans living in New Mexico, despite a decline in smoking among Native Americans in other states. A forthcoming state tobacco control surveillance report states that 24.1% of Native Americans living in New Mexico smoke, compared to 15.8% of Anglo adults. The researchers believe that differences in policies between Navajo Nation and the state are causing the disparity. New Mexico has a higher cigarette tax and stronger workplace smoke-free policies compared to Navajo Nation, and Navajo Nation does not receive tobacco settlement money, which funds tobacco use prevention and control in the state. Researchers believe that Native American smoking rates should be monitored. A spokesperson for the Navajo Nation reports that Nation President Ben Shelly will introduce an initiative in 2012 that will make all buildings on the Navajo Nation smoke-free, including casinos. Read more here.

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