A pilot community-based intensive smoking cessation intervention in African Americans: feasibility, acceptability and early outcome indicators

J Natl Med Assoc. 2008 Feb;100(2):208-17. doi: 10.1016/s0027-9684(15)31209-8.

Abstract

Few intensive and community-based smoking cessation treatment programs have been designed for African-American smokers, a group who experiences numerous health disparities associated with cigarette smoking. The purpose of this study was to examine the feasibility, acceptability and biochemically verified early outcome indicators in a community-based comprehensive smoking cessation program in 50 urban, low- and middle-income African-American smokers. The intervention was an intensive six-session group program delivered in the community and a one-month supply of the transdermal nicotine patch. Results showed 74% of enrolled participants completed the program and 51% of participants were highly adherent to patch use guidelines. Intent-to-treat analyses revealed that 34% of participants were biochemically confirmed as having quit smoking at one month post quit date. Smoking urges and depressive symptoms also declined significantly during the first month. At three- and six-month follow-up, biochemically confirmed quit rates were 22% and 18%, respectively. Adherence to nicotine patch use, higher ratings of the perceived helpfulness of self-monitoring tasks (wrap sheets) and lower depression scores at baseline all significantly predicted quitting success during the first month of treatment (all p's<0.05). Larger studies are warranted to examine targeted treatment elements and individual difference factors to enhance cessation outcomes in African-American smokers.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Attitude to Health*
  • Black or African American*
  • Feasibility Studies
  • Female
  • Health Behavior
  • Health Status Indicators
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Patient Acceptance of Health Care*
  • Patient Compliance
  • Pilot Projects
  • Preventive Health Services*
  • Program Evaluation
  • Psychological Tests
  • Psychometrics
  • Residence Characteristics*
  • Smoking / epidemiology
  • Smoking Cessation / methods*
  • Smoking Prevention*
  • Tobacco Use Disorder
  • Treatment Outcome*