Increasing access to smoking cessation treatment among Latino smokers using case management

Abstract

IntroductionDisparities exist among Latino smokers with respect to knowledge and access to smoking cessation resources. This study tested the feasibility of using case management (CM) to increase access to pharmacotherapy and quitlines among Latino smokers.MethodsLatino smokers were randomized to CM (n = 40) or standard care (SC, n = 40). All participants received educational materials describing how to utilize pharmacy assistance for cessation pharmacotherapy and connect with quitlines. CM participants received four phone calls from staff to encourage pharmacotherapy and quitline use. At 6-months follow-up, we assessed the utilization of pharmacotherapy and quitline. Additional outcomes included self-reported smoking status and approval for pharmacotherapy assistance.ResultsUsing intention-to-treat analysis, CM produced higher utilization than SC of both pharmacotherapy (15.0% versus 2.5%; P = 0.108) and quitlines (12.5% versus 5.0%; P = 0.432), although differences were not statistically significant. Approval for pharmacotherapy assistance programs (20.0% versus 0.0%; P = 0.0005) was significantly higher for CM than SC participants. Self-reported point-prevalence smoking abstinence at 6-months were 20.0% and 17.5% for CM and SC, respectively (P = 0.775).ConclusionsCM holds promise as an effective intervention to connect Latino smokers to evidence-based cessation treatment.

Barriers and Facilitators of Smoking Cessation among Latinos Living with HIV: Perspectives from Key Leaders of Community-Based Organizations and Clinics

“…Our findings also support the minimal interest in smoking cessation counseling and medications among Latinos described by Zinser et al [39]. However, studies conducted by Cartujano-Barrera et al show that, when offered in a culturally and linguistically appropriate manner, Latinos have high interest and utilization of smoking cessation behavioral interventions and pharmacotherapy [40][41][42]. Additionally, Shadel et al conducted a qualitative study to enhance nicotine patch adherence among Latino smokers living with HIV [43].…”

“…Moreover, text messaging interventions are easy to understand, available anywhere at any time, scalable to larger populations, and can incorporate real time-delivery assistance [46][47][48]. Cartujano-Barrera et al have shown that a culturally and linguistically appropriate smoking cessation text messaging intervention for Latinos is wellaccepted by participants, generates high satisfaction, significantly increases self-efficacy, produces high therapeutic alliance, and results in noteworthy cessation rates at the end of treatment [40][41][42]. However, this intervention has not been formally tested among Latinos living with HIV.…”

Feasibility and Acceptability of a Culturally- and Linguistically-Adapted Smoking Cessation Text Messaging Intervention for Latino Smokers

“…Finally, the 30% smoking cessation rate seen at week 12 (end of treatment) is consistent with end-of-treatment cessation rates seen in trials that combine NRT with substantial in-person counseling ( 39 ). This level of interest and encouraging abstinence with use of NRT is particularly promising given few clinical trials have included pharmacotherapy for Latino smokers ( 14 , 40 – 42 ), and older studies have suggested limited interest in use of pharmacotherapy generally and NRT specifically among Latinos ( 7 ). Current findings suggest high interest and utilization.…”

Feasibility and Effectiveness of Recruiting Latinos in Decídetexto—A Smoking Cessation Clinical Trial from an Emergency Department Patient Registry

“…Latino smokers are less likely than NLW smokers to have access to healthcare and resources for smoking cessation, receive advice to quit, and use pharmacotherapy to stop smoking [11][12][13][14]. Only a handful of smoking cessation clinical trials have focused on the cultural and linguistic needs of Latino smokers [15][16][17]. It is important to include more Latinos in smoking cessation clinical trials in order to develop and evaluate effective smoking cessation interventions that take into consideration their smoking patterns and behaviors.…”