Formative evaluation of a practice-based smoking cessation program for diverse populations.

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Health Communication
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Smoking prevalence is disproportionately high among individuals with lower socioeconomic status and education levels.
• This study investigated patient perspectives on tobacco cessation strategies within urban, low-income populations receiving care in community-based primary care settings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine perceptions of tobacco cessation strategies among diverse, low socioeconomic, urban smokers.
• To understand attitudes towards technology and social media for smoking cessation support.

Main Methods:

• Conducted 10 focus groups with 96 low socioeconomic status participants (current or former smokers) in urban primary care offices.
• Participants were stratified by age (18-39 and 40+ years) and discussed cessation strategies, quit attempts, and technology use.

Main Results:

• Most participants favored phone-based cessation messages, but age differences emerged regarding quitting attitudes and communication preferences.
• Younger adults (18-39) reported higher internet and text messaging use and greater openness to social media for health information.
• Older adults (40+) showed different preferences for contact frequency and social media engagement.

Conclusions:

• Significant variations exist between younger and older smokers concerning tobacco addiction and communication technology use.
• Health messaging content and delivery platforms should be tailored to specific age groups for effective tobacco cessation interventions.