Smoking cessation interventions among Hispanics in the United States: A systematic review and mini meta-analysis

The leading causes of mortality among Hispanics living in the United States are smoking related. This study sought to systematically review smoking cessation interventions targeting healthy Hispanic adults living in the United States, to conduct a "mini" meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials, and to offer recommendations for future research.

Studies were identified through computerized bibliographic databases (PsychINFO, PsycARTICLES, PsycFirst, MEDLINE, Science Direct, and Dissertation Abstracts Online), article reference lists, conference abstracts, and unpublished data through October 2008.

Evaluation of a smoking cessation intervention among healthy U.S. Hispanic adults. Studies included in the meta-analysis were also required to be randomized controlled trials.

Twelve studies were eligible for the systematic review and five studies for the meta-analysis. Two independent raters coded each study.

Interventions consisted of self-help, nicotine replacement therapy, and community-based interventions, as well as individual, group, and telephone counseling. There was evidence for the efficacy of smoking cessation interventions at the end of treatment (odds ratio, 1.54; 95% confidence interval, 1.09-2.16), which was attenuated in the longer term.

Tobacco use among U.S. Hispanics is a growing public health concern. Smoking cessation interventions demonstrate promise among Hispanic adults living in the United States. More randomized trials evaluating tobacco interventions in this special population are warranted, with examination of the effect of cultural specificity and acculturation.