Health disparities and culturally specific treatment: Perspectives and expectancies of African American smokers

Abstract

Researchers suggest that culturally specific (CS) interventions are important in addressing smoking-related health disparities. Yet, little research has examined the perspectives of African American smokers regarding these efforts. This qualitative study sought to gain insight into perceptions related to (a) the smoking prevalence among African Americans, (b) smoking-related health disparities, (c) expectancies for CS interventions, (d) methods of recruiting research participants, and (e) key intervention components. Six focus groups were conducted with 41 African American smokers (aged 21-64) at a community health center. Content analyses revealed several themes, including the perception that smoking is normative among African Americans, limited knowledge of racial health disparities, mixed perceptions regarding race as a risk factor for illness, and mixed expectancies for the efficacy of CS interventions. In conclusion, individual differences, such as smoking norms, knowledge of health disparities, and intervention expectations may influence receptivity to CS treatments. Implications for tobacco interventions among African Americans are discussed.

Engaging African Americans in Smoking Cessation Programs

“…Twelve-step models for smoking cessation support, especially ones that include mentors or sponsors, may be attractive to and effective for African American smokers. Social support has been found to be related to smoking cessation among ENGAGING AFRICAN AMERICANS IN SMOKING CESSATION African Americans, 17 and Nollen et al 28 suggest that programs include partners, significant others, or family members in the quit attempt and develop support through establishment of support groups and buddy systems. Health examinations that reveal the harmful effects of smoking to smokers and the beneficial effects of smoking cessation to ex-smokers may be more persuasive than general information about the negative effects of smoking on health.…”

“…[16][17][18]20 However, there is much less research on the appeal and utilization of these interventions in African American communities. Clinical trial participants may be more motivated than the general population 16 so that programs that have been effective in clinical trials may fail to attract African Americans in a community setting.…”

“…In general, African Americans appear to have less confidence in smoking cessation interventions than non-Hispanic whites. 17 Perceived health care provider discrimination may also be a barrier to use of smoking cessation programs by African Americans. 20 …”

Smoking Cessation Recruitment Messages Tailored to African American High School Smokers

“…African American smokers, compared to their white counterparts, have higher rates of smoking-related cancers including cancers of the lung, mouth, larynx, pharynx, esophagus, stomach, pancreas, and cervix. 2 Because of the health disparities attributable to smoking, smoking cessation among African Americans has been identified as a national health priority. 3 There is limited research about what treatment approaches are successful in motivating African American youth to participate in smoking cessation programs as well as which cessation programs and message styles may be relevant to this population.…”

“…2 Because of the health disparities attributable to smoking, smoking cessation among African Americans has been identified as a national health priority. 3 There is limited research about what treatment approaches are successful in motivating African American youth to participate in smoking cessation programs as well as which cessation programs and message styles may be relevant to this population. 2 In general, it is recognized that recruitment messages positively impact the motivation of smoking cessation program participants to quit.…”