Acculturation Predicts 7-Day Smoking Cessation Among Treatment-Seeking African-Americans in a Group Intervention
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ORIGINAL ARTICLE
Acculturation Predicts 7-Day Smoking Cessation Among Treatment-Seeking African-Americans in a Group Intervention Monica Webb Hooper, Ph.D. & Elizabeth A. Baker, B.A. & Denise Rodríguez de Ybarra, M.A. & Marcia McNutt, M.P.H & Jasit S. Ahluwalia, M.D., M.P.H, M.S.
Published online: 10 September 2011 # The Society of Behavioral Medicine 2011
Abstract Background African-Americans suffer disproportionately from tobacco-associated morbidity and mortality. Considering the relationship between cultural variables and cessation may be important for reducing disparities. Purpose This study aimed to examine acculturation as a predictor of smoking cessation following a standard group intervention. Methods Treatment-seeking smokers (N=140) participated in a group intervention for cessation plus transdermal nicotine patch therapy and completed the African American Acculturation Scale—Revised at baseline. The primary outcome was self-reported 7-day point prevalence abstinence at the end-of-counseling and 3 and 6 months postintervention. Results Adjusted logistic regression analyses found that acculturation predicted end-of-counseling and 3-month 7day point prevalence abstinence; traditional AfricanAmericans (i.e., less acculturated) were less likely to quit smoking. Cultural superstitions, religious beliefs and practices, and interracial attitudes were predictive of smoking cessation. Conclusions Acculturation was associated with cessation following a group-based intervention. Culturally specific adaptations to established interventions might improve outcomes for traditional smokers. M. Webb Hooper (*) : E. A. Baker : D. R. de Ybarra : M. McNutt University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, USA e-mail: [email protected] J. S. Ahluwalia University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, USA
Keywords Smoking cessation . African-Americans . Health disparities . Acculturation . Group intervention
Introduction The experience of tobacco-associated health disparities among African-Americans is well established. Compared to other racial/ethnic groups, African-Americans suffer disproportionately from various cancers, heart disease, and stroke (e.g., [1, 2, 3]). Evidence suggests that both behaviorally based interventions (e.g., counseling) and pharmacotherapy are effective in this population [4, 5]; however, research investigating factors influencing the success of interventions is needed [4]. Few studies have examined the relationship between individual difference factors, such as cultural practices and beliefs, on intervention response. As the literature on addressing racial/ethnic health disparities is expanding, we must move beyond examining race/ethnicity as a grouping variable and begin to dismantle the complex factors that subtend the racial experience. Acculturation is the dynamic interchange that occurs as members of minority groups encounter the majority culture. Level of acculturation refers to engagement in the cultural practices, beliefs, values, and traditions of the dominant culture versus one’s indigen
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