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

Abstract #109104

Craig S. Fryer, MPH, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, 1510 Archer Road, Apt. #3C, Bronx, NY 10462, (646) 418-0804, fryer06@aol.com

Tobacco control research has demonstrated that attempts to quit smoking are common among young people (CDC 1998). The majority of that research, however, has focused on cigarette acquisition and smoking initiation. Furthermore, studies have shown that contextual factors affect the health and well-being of its residents, especially young people. Yet, there is a paucity of research examining the unique tobacco cessation experiences of young people residing in urban communities. This study explores the function that language serves among current and former 16-18 year old smokers in New York City to better understand their self-initiated quitting experiences. Specifically, the study investigates: (1) how young people discursively construct the cessation process, and (2) the meaning and utility of quitting smoking in their lives. Moreover, the study is framed within the context of community disintegration (Leighton 1959; Fullilove 2001) which acknowledges the dynamic relationship among one's physical environment, social functioning, and health. Data were obtained from focus groups and analyzed utilizing discourse analysis. The group discussions allowed for the exploration of the discourse young people draw upon to describe their experiences, further highlighting the context in which they try to quit smoking. Through an analysis of the language used and shared in this group, social, contextual, and structural factors including stress, addiction, stigma, and tobacco advertising emerged as significant barriers in the cessation process. These findings will inform practitioners of salient issues in the cessation process further clarifying how some young people are able to quit smoking while others struggle to do so.

Learning Objectives: Participants will

(
• be able to identify pertinent contextual issues that influence the tobacco cessation experiences of young people; and (
• begin to understand how the assessment of discourse among young people can further enhance existing cessation programs and assist in the development of new interventions reflective of their social reality.

Keywords: Smoking Cessation, Youth

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.