Acculturation predicts 7-day smoking cessation among treatment-seeking African-Americans in a group intervention

African-Americans suffer disproportionately from tobacco-associated morbidity and mortality. Considering the relationship between cultural variables and cessation may be important for reducing disparities.

This study aimed to examine acculturation as a predictor of smoking cessation following a standard group intervention.

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.

Adjusted logistic regression analyses found that acculturation predicted end-of-counseling and 3-month 7-day point prevalence abstinence; traditional African-Americans (i.e., less acculturated) were less likely to quit smoking. Cultural superstitions, religious beliefs and practices, and interracial attitudes were predictive of smoking cessation.

Acculturation was associated with cessation following a group-based intervention. Culturally specific adaptations to established interventions might improve outcomes for traditional smokers.