Tobacco use and low-income African Americans: policy implications

Tobacco use has declined in the United States over the past decade, but smoking among low-income populations remains high in comparison. Although many studies have linked poverty and tobacco use, few studies have examined the prevalence and predictors of tobacco use among low-income African Americans in the South.

A total sample of 388 residents of a Housing Authority complex in the South were surveyed. This cross-sectional study examined the prevalence and predictors for current tobacco use among sampled participants.

Results show that low-income populations in the South have high rates of smoking. Of the sample, about 43% were current tobacco users. Findings indicate that tobacco users were more likely to be older, have been exposed to secondhand smoke, have positive attitudes toward tobacco commercials, and have been arrested in the past. Results found several predictors of tobacco use in the study population including age, secondhand smoke, attitude toward tobacco media, and criminal activity.

Housing Authority apartment complexes may be an important target for tobacco use prevention and treatment interventions. Other policy implications are recommended.