Tobacco-Related Disparities in Specific Populations

Research

Research attributes high rates of smoking among mentally ill to addiction vulnerability
A study published by Indiana University psychiatry researchers concludes that elevated smoking rates among those with mental illnesses might be caused by increased addiction susceptibility and not self-medicating. The study design utilized a standard model in which rats that display symptoms similar to schizophrenia are used as a proxy for humans with the disease. The article reports that the mentally ill rats consumed more nicotine and worked harder to acquire nicotine once cut off as compared to rats in the control group. The researchers also concluded that cognitive benefits from nicotine exposure were approximately equal among both groups of rats and were easily negated by cognitive deficiencies observed once the rats were deprived of nicotine. As adult cigarette smoking in the United States continues to decline, smoking rates among people with mental illness remain stagnant and now represent approximately half of all cigarettes sold. This makes addressing the mental health disparity of cigarette smoking an essential component of any comprehensive tobacco control initiative, the researchers note. To learn more, click here. Click here to read the abstract in Addiction Biology.

The effectiveness of cigarette price and smoke-free homes on low-income smokers in the United States
Researchers from the University of California, San Diego analyzed data from the 2006-2007 Tobacco Use Supplement to the Current Population Survey to examine associations relating to cigarette consumption and successful quitting in low- and high-income populations in the United States. The authors found that higher cigarette prices were associated with lower consumption in both the low- and high-income populations. They also found that while low-income subjects were less likely to adopt smoke-free homes, those who did were more likely to quit smoking and sustain cessation at 90 days. These findings reiterate the efficacy of standard evidence-based cessation measures in addressing the income level disparity observed in tobacco use. To read the abstract published in the American Journal of Public Health, click here.

Capacity of U.S. drug treatment facilities to provide evidence-based tobacco treatment
An article published in the American Journal of Public Health reviews the tobacco cessation practices of 405 drug treatment facilities in the United States. Researchers found that while most facilities had the skills to administer tobacco treatment to their clients, a minority of facilities had the leadership, policies, and finances in place to ensure that these services are effective. They also observed that nonprofit facilities had more tobacco treatment resources on average than for-profit facilities. To address these shortcomings, the researchers recommend that policymakers strengthen policies, leadership, and funding for tobacco treatment at all levels of government in a way that is mindful of the observed discrepancies between nonprofit and for-profit facilities. Cigarette smoking rates in drug treatment facilities can be as high as 90%, indicating the importance of ensuring that effective tobacco cessation services are available. Click here to read the abstract in the American Journal of Public Health.

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Reports

59 percent of American Indians in Minnesota smoke, new study reveals (MN)
A survey of 3,000 American Indians from seven Minnesota reservations has shed light on the disparity of tobacco use in the American Indian population. Survey findings show a 59% prevalence of tobacco use among American Indian adults as compared to 16% in the general Minnesota adult population. These rates increase to 70% among American Indians and 29% in the general population for the 25-44 year-old age group. While 57% of all Minnesota adults have never been regular smokers, the same can be said for only 22% of American Indians. These results reinforce the importance of utilizing culturally-appropriate messages to reach the American Indian population in a way that respects the spiritual connection to tobacco use that some tribes have. Click here to read more. To read the full report of the Tribal Tobacco Use Project Survey, click here.

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