Understanding health disparities affecting utilization of tobacco treatment in low-income patients in an urban health center in Southern California

Abstract

Highlights Patients with the highest burden of disease and health disparities were least likely to be referred to smoking cessation services. Older patients were more likely to be referred to cessation counseling within the health center instead of the quitline. Engagement in smoking cessation services are lower in the low income population compared to the general population. Having insurance coverage was associated with greater engagement in smoking cessation services.

Prevalence and Correlates of Cardiovascular, Pulmonary, Cancer, and Mental Health Comorbidities Among Adults With HIV Who Smoke

“…For example, smokers with increasing clinical complexity, such as concurrent coronary heart disease and mental health conditions, have been shown to be less likely to receive smoking cessation advice as compared with those with coronary heart disease but no mental health conditions (Blane et al, 2017). In addition to medical and psychiatric comorbidities, smokers in lower socioeconomic categories or marginalized racial/ethnic groups may also receive suboptimal cessation services (Liu et al, 2021). Furthermore, the high burden of concurrent mental health conditions may be particularly challenging in achieving smoking cessation.…”