Feasibility and Effectiveness of a Community-Based Smoking Cessation Intervention in a Racially Diverse, Urban Smoker Cohort

Abstract

Objectives. We evaluated the feasibility, acceptability, and effectiveness, in addition to the effects of a psychoeducation-based orientation on smoking cessation knowledge for Courage to Quit (CTQ), an evidence-based smoking cessation intervention disseminated to racially diverse, urban community sites in Chicago, Illinois. Methods. Smokers (n = 1494; 55% African American) enrolled in 6-session full (n = 945) or 3-session short (n = 549) versions of CTQ in 2008 to 2012. Results. Orientation improved knowledge of efficacious and nonefficacious treatments. Acceptability was outstanding: more than 90% of participants would recommend CTQ. Feasibility was good: completion rates were 53% in the full and 75% in the short programs. Intent-to-treat quit rates were 19% in the full and 17% in the short programs (completer quit rates were 36% and 22%, respectively). Among completers, smoking cessation medication use was associated with higher quit rates. There were no racial disparities: African Americans and Whites showed similar completion and quit rates. Predictors of successful quitting were higher readiness to quit and smoking cessation medication use. Conclusions. CTQ is moderately successful in the short term as delivered in community-based settings for urban-dwelling, largely minority smokers. Further evaluation of longer-term outcomes and cost effectiveness is warranted.

Racial disparities in the use of SBRT for treating early-stage lung cancer

“…Various efforts have been put forward in the last decade to minimize racial disparities in cancer treatment and outcomes, including efforts by the NCI and both community-based and national smoking cessation programs geared towards minorities [32][33][34][35]. Increased emphasis on patient navigator programs by the NCI have been successful in improving timely access to quality care, but have not yet been implemented in lung cancer [36].…”

Biomarkers of Response to Smoking Cessation Pharmacotherapies: Progress to Date

“…Studies have shown mixed results regarding gender as a determinant of successful cessation [9, 12, 20-24]. Numerous psychological factors have been associated with a positive response to treatment, including high baseline levels of self-efficacy [17, 18, 25-27], readiness and motivation to quit [16, 24, 28], low stress levels [29], low negative affect [30], no history of depression [31], and low anger [32]. Treatment-related factors include use of behavioral support [13, 33], adherence [34, 35], and absence of lapses during early treatment [36].…”

Racial disparities in preventable risk factors for head and neck cancer

“…Targeted interventions geared toward minority communities are just starting. They are feasible and have shown good short‐term quit rates, but larger and longer studies are needed . One of the most effective ways to address smoking is through physician screening.…”

“…They are feasible and have shown good short-term quit rates, but larger and longer studies are needed. 26,27 One of the most effective ways to address smoking is through physician screening. Approximately 70% of smokers see a physician every year.…”