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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Recorded presentation

Patricia Clubb, PhD, Prevention Sciences Research Center and the Center for Health Dispaarities Solutions, Morgan State University, School of Public Health and Policy, 1700 East Cold Spring Lane, Jenkin 343, Baltimore, MD 21251, 443.885.3238, DrDotBrowne@aol.com and Dorothy Browne, MSW, MPH, DrPH, Preventive Sciences Research Center and Center for Health Disparities, Morgan State University School of Public Health and Policy, 1700 East Coldspring Lane, Jenkin 343, Baltimore, MD 21251.

Despite the well-documented effects of smoking on health, smoking continues to be a problem facing the United States. Early in development, African Americans appear to be less at risk for smoking than Whites, given that African American adolescents are less likely to report past-month smoking (CDC, 2006; SAMHSA, 2006). However, in comparison to Whites, African American adults are less likely to quit if they are daily smokers (SAMHSA, 2006) and are more likely to die of lung cancer (CDC, 1998). Furthermore, ethnic group differences have been documented in terms of cigarette preference (CDC, 1998). Such findings underscore the necessity of considering possible ethnic differences in the cultural context of smoking. This project investigates the extent to which there are racial/ethnic group differences in religiosity, stress, and social support in relation to smoking behaviors after controlling for demographic factors. To address this issue, data from the Community Health Urban Project (CHUP) were analyzed. The Community Health Urban Project is a cross-sectional study of adults living in two adjacent census tracts located in a mid-Atlantic city. Analyses are based on the responses of 1,448 participants, including African Americans (59%) and Whites (41%). The findings of multivariate analyses will be discussed, as well as the implications of these findings for tailoring interventions for multiethnic communities.

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

• Describe ethnic differences in smoking behaviors, particularly among low-income populations;
• Identify ethnic differences and similarities in the covariates of smoking behaviors; and
• Discuss the implications of the cultural context for tailoring prevention and intervention programs.

Keywords: African American, Smoking

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No

Recorded presentation