Reducing tobacco-related disparities in Hispanic/Latino communities: progress and challenges since the 1998 Surgeon General's Report

Abstract

The 1998 Surgeon General's Report-Tobacco Use Among US Racial/Ethnic Minority Groups revealed a need for cessation interventions targeting the Hispanic/Latino (H/L) population. Although progress has been made in the years since the report's release, H/L tobacco users continue to have limited access to cessation medication and support services. Cultural barriers and misconceptions have also complicated cessation efforts. Furthermore, the tobacco industry continues to specifically target H/L communities and youth in smoking and vaping outreach programs. Despite these challenges, some outreach and cessation efforts have shown promising results. Text- and app-based interventions and Spanish-specific educational campaigns have been uniquely effective in engaging H/L tobacco users. Policy changes and public health initiatives at the local, state, and federal level have also been helpful. The most effective approaches have common insights, including the importance of community engagement, the value of partnerships with health-care providers, and a culturally and linguistically adapted foundation.