Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #107317

Jorge Delva, PhD¹, Marisol Tellez, PhD², Tracy L. Finlayson, BS³, Kimberlee Gretebeck, PhD⁴, Kristine Siefert, PhD, MPH¹, David R. Williams, PhD⁵, and Amid Ismail². (1) School of Social Work, NIMH Reseach Center on Poverty, Risk, and Mental Health, University of Michigan, 1080 S. University, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, 734-936-3898, jdelva@umich.edu, (2) School of Dentistry, University of Michigan, 1011 N. University, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, (3) School of Public Health, University of Michigan, 109 S. Observatory, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2029, (4) School of Nursing, University of Michigan, 400 N. Ingalls, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, (5) Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, Dept. of Sociology and Survey Research Center, PO Box 1248, Ann Arbor, MI 481-06-1248

Background:

Recent trends show a continuous decline in prevalence of cigarette smoking in the U.S.1 However, such positive trends mask the substantial burden of tobacco-related morbidity and mortality that persists among low income and racial/ethnic minority populations.2 It has been observed that tobacco is not an equal opportunity killer – the poorest and least educated bear a disproportionate burden of tobacco-related death and disease.3 We examined the current prevalence and individual and contextual correlates of cigarette smoking in a community-based sample of 921 low-income African American women 14-70 years old.

Methods:

The sample was selected using a two-stage area probability sample design. Face-to-face interviews assessed a broad array of health and mental health indicators. Data were analyzed with fixed-effects and multilevel statistics.

Results:

Forty-three percent of women were current smokers, with younger women apparently initiating smoking at an earlier age. Social support was associated inversely with current smoking. Self-reported feelings of anger were positively associated, though marginally, with current smoking. Between neighborhood variance was small and no neighborhood level variables were associated with cigarette smoking.

Conclusions:

The high prevalence of current cigarette use and the finding that younger African American women may be initiating smoking at an earlier age are of great concern, and if confirmed by further research, indicate an urgent need for preventive intervention. While recent declines in the prevalence of cigarette smoking in the general population should be celebrated, this study documents a public health problem that does not seem to be diminishing within a vulnerable population group.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to

• Describe the hidden and serious public health problem associated with trends in cigarette smoking among low-income African American women.
• Evaluate the relevance of individual and environmental risk factors associated with cigarette smoking in the general population for low-income African American women.
• Discuss implications for intervention to prevent cigarette smoking among low-income African American women.

Keywords: African American, Public Health

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.