Perceptions of Smoking Stigma Among African Americans: A Qualitative Study
Denine R Crittendon1, Alison C Brecher2, Samantha Okere3
1College of Population Health, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
Summary
Smoking stigma is prevalent among African Americans/Blacks (AAB), manifesting as negative social interactions and health concerns. Understanding these perceptions is crucial for addressing smoking-related diseases in this population.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Sociology
- Health Disparities
Background:
- African Americans/Blacks (AAB) face higher risks of smoking-related diseases, including lung cancer (LC).
- Smoking stigma is a significant barrier to healthcare access for individuals who smoke.
- Limited research exists on the specific prevalence and nature of smoking stigmas within the AAB community.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate and understand the perceptions and prevalence of smoking stigmas among African Americans/Blacks (AAB).
- To explore how AAB individuals view cigarette smoking and associated stigmas.
Main Methods:
- Conducted free-listing interviews with 58 eligible AAB adults in the Philadelphia region.
- Collected demographic data and analyzed perceptions of smoking using Anthropac software for term salience.
- Utilized graphical methods to compare salient responses across different demographic strata (gender, age, education, smoking status).
Main Results:
- The most salient terms associated with smoking across all participants were "smelly," "health hazard," and "judgment."
- "Smelly" and "unhealthy" were common perceptions for both genders, with males also associating smoking with "dental," "dirty," "addictive," and "habit."
- Older participants (>51 years) saliently perceived smoking as "unhealthy" and "addictive," while younger participants focused on "smelly." Smokers perceived smoking as "smelly" and "annoying," whereas non-smokers focused on "health hazard."
Conclusions:
- Smoking stigma among AAB is characterized by language reflecting negative social interactions, judgment, and health concerns.
- These findings highlight smoking stigma as a significant issue for AAB individuals who smoke.
- Further research is necessary to examine the impact of smoking-related stigmas on adherence to smoking cessation programs and lung cancer screening.
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