Tobacco-Related Disparities in Specific Populations

Research

Poorer folks may find it harder to quit smoking
A new study has found that smokers with lower socioeconomic status (SES) have a more difficult quitting smoking when compared to smokers with higher SES. In the study, smokers were provided with nicotine patches and cognitive-behavioral therapy, and then smoking abstinence was assessed three and six months after providing treatment. Results show that those with the highest SES were 2.5 times more likely to have quit smoking at six months after the treatment compared to smokers with the lowest SES. The researchers also found that smokers with lower SES received less treatment content, social and environmental support, and resources to sustain their cessation. The findings suggest that cessation interventions should target specific challenges common among smokers with lower SES. Click here to read more, and click here to read the study abstract published in the American Journal of Public Health.

Bupropion for smoking cessation in African American light smokers: A randomized controlled trial
According to a new study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, bupropion treatment is not effective at helping African American light smokers to achieve long-term smoking cessation. Researchers conducted a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial with African Americans who smoked less than 10 cigarettes per day. To determine if bupropion treatment had any long-term cessation effects, participants were given either bupropion or a placebo, and all participants received health education counseling. The results show that at 26 weeks, there was no statistically significant difference in smoking abstinence rates between those that took bupropion versus the placebo drug. The authors believe that more research is needed to identify successful long-term smoking cessation treatments for African American light smokers. Click here to read the study abstract.

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Reports

Newly updated: The National Networks for Tobacco Control and Prevention Website
The National Networks for Tobacco Control and Prevention website provides helpful information, resources and links regarding priority populations, as well as a vast inventory of promising tools and programs for working with groups experiencing tobacco-related disparities. The website has recently been updated, and now features current news, upcoming events, pictures, discussion feeds and more, so visitors can stay updated on the latest information and opportunities to connect. What’s New? The National Networks for Tobacco Control and Prevention Website has become more interactive, with new polling and video gallery features. Visit www.tobaccopreventionnetworks.org to learn how to help advance parity and eliminate tobacco-related disparities.

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