Quit behavior among Hispanic persons who smoke: evaluating differences in nicotine replacement therapy

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Behavioral Science
• Health Disparities

Background:

• Hispanic individuals face significant smoking-related health disparities.
• Understanding cessation methods is crucial for reducing these disparities.
• Evidence-based guidelines need better engagement within this population.

Purpose of the Study:

• Document smoking cessation methods used by Hispanic adults.
• Investigate Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) use.
• Compare NRT users and non-users on smoking vulnerability factors.

Main Methods:

• National recruitment of 302 Hispanic adult daily smokers with prior quit attempts via Qualtrics Panels.
• Surveyed past quit attempt methods, including NRT (nicotine gum, patch).
• Assessed cigarette dependence, cessation barriers, quit attempt severity, and prior failed attempts.

Main Results:

• 'Cold turkey' was the most common cessation method (65.6%).
• Nearly 58% of participants used NRT in previous quit attempts.
• NRT users reported higher dependence, more barriers, greater quit difficulty, and more failed attempts than non-users.

Conclusions:

• History of NRT use may identify Hispanic smokers requiring more intensive cessation interventions.
• Targeted support is needed for Hispanic individuals struggling with smoking cessation.
• Further research should explore tailored approaches for this demographic.