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Tobacco-Related Disparities in Specific Populations
Research
Strong smoke-free law coverage in the United States by race/ethnicity: 2000–2009 - Hispanics are most protected
A recent study reports that a larger proportion of Hispanics and Asians have benefited from existing smoke-free air laws compared to other ethnic/racial groups. Researchers utilized population data from the U.S. census and the American Nonsmokers’ Rights Foundation’s U.S. Tobacco Control Database to determine the percentage of people in counties categorized by each type of law and race/ethnicity between 2000 and 2009. Increases in coverage by 100% smoke-free bar laws were found to be higher among Hispanics (from 31% to 62%) and Asians (36% to 75%) compared to non-Hispanic Blacks (6% to 41%) and non-Hispanic whites (8% to 49%). The ethnic and racial disparities in smoke-free air law coverage reported in this study suggest a need for effective, community-based, and tailored policies and interventions to spread to all populations. Click here to read more. Click here to read the study abstract published in the American Journal of Public Health.
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Reports
New survey reveals troops' drinking, drug use
A recent survey of active-duty troops reveals that there has been a decline in the prevalence of smoking, binge drinking, illegal drug use, and suicide attempts, yet further progress in addressing these harmful behaviors is needed. Data were gathered from the 2011 Department of Defense Survey of Health-Related Behaviors Among Active-Duty Military Personnel, an electronic survey distributed to 39,877 personnel. Twenty-four percent of troops reported to be smokers, and 12.8% reported using smokeless tobacco. While the full report has not been published publicly, these findings indicate that the Department of Defense is falling short in three of the Healthy People 2020 objectives: cigarette use, smokeless tobacco use, and alcohol use. Based on the findings in this report, more interventions are needed to address tobacco use among troops. Click here for a summary of the findings, or click here to read more about this survey.
DOD launches Healthy Base Initiative
The Department of Defense (DOD) has reported the selection of thirteen sites for its Healthy Base Initiative, a demonstration project for Operation Live Well, aimed at increasing the health and wellness of all military personnel, including family members. Sites’ efforts will focus on making informed nutritional food choices, increased physical activity, weight management, and tobacco cessation. Read more here.
Tips From Former Smokers campaign resources from the National Networks
The CDC’s new Tips From Former Smokers ads feature additional population groups (American Indian/Alaska Native and LGBT communities [lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender]) that were not featured in the first campaign. The National Networks for Tobacco Control and Prevention have created several communications and resources about the campaign that can be used to leverage the campaign and address tobacco-related disparities:
Share your personal stories and "tips" for quitting
In support of the second launch of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) tobacco education campaign, “Tips From Former Smokers,” the National Networks for Tobacco Control and Prevention are hosting a series of stories and "tips" for quitting from communities on the networks’ joint website, tobaccopreventionnetworks.org. Visit the website to view the current stories posted from former smokers. The Networks are also collecting stories from former tobacco users or family members of former/current tobacco users about how smoking has impacted their lives. Additionally, they are seeking stories from all populations that are affected by disparities relating to smoking (e.g. African American, American Indian/Alaska Native, LGBT, Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander, etc.). Click here to read tobacco users’ stories, or click here to submit your own story.
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