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

Abstract #118208

Stergios Roussos, PhD, MPH¹, Linda C. Hoskins¹, and Melbourne F. Hovell, PhD, MPH². (1) GSPH/CBEACH, San Diego State University, 2054 Pinehurst Court, Merced, CA 95340, 209-723-4399, steve@akouo.org, (2) Center for Behavioral Epidemiology and Community Health, Graduate School of Public Health, San Diego State University, 9245 Sky Park Ct. Suite 230, San Diego, CA 92123

The Latino population is the largest single ethnic group in the U.S. and the fastest growing with an annual growth rate of over 2% a year. Given this population growth, rates of smoking among Latinos may disproportionately contribute to significant tobacco-related morbidity and mortality and associated healthcare costs. Current evidence shows that Latinos, especially those with limited English language proficiency (LEP), are not likely to receive physician-initiated interventions known to control and eliminate tobacco use. A qualitative study was conducted to understand the key features that may facilitate and interfere with physician tobacco-control with Latinos smokers and non-smokers during a healthcare visit. Two semi-structured focus groups were conducted separately with each of the following groups: LEP Latino smokers, English-speaking Latino smokers, LEP Latino non-smokers, English-speaking Latino non-smokers, primary care physicians, and healthcare interpreters for LEP Latinos. Comments were transcribed and analyzed for common themes within and across groups. LEP and English-speaking Latinos reported minimal screening and advice regarding tobacco use (e.g., quit advice, methods to avoid environmental tobacco smoke, ETS). Language barriers, even with the use of a healthcare interpreter interfere with screening and subsequent intervention regarding tobacco use and ETS. Latinos and physicians may underestimate tobacco-related harm and the lack of knowledge of tobacco prevention and cessation among Latinos. Attention to Latino cultural factors that promote tobacco use may facilitate dialogue about tobacco during a healthcare visit. The discussion will outline recommendations for clinician-initiated tobacco control with Latinos, with an emphasis on cultural and linguistic factors.

Learning Objectives:

• Describe factors that may prevent and facilitate physician-initiated tobacco control activities for Latinos, especially Latinos with limited English proficiency.
• Articulate recommendations for the design and implementation of physician-initiated tobacco control activities for Latinos, especially Latinos with limited English proficiency.

Keywords: Tobacco Control, Cultural Competency

Related Web page: www.cbeach.org

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.