Reducing tobacco-related disparities in low-income populations: A community-directed initiative

Background: Tobacco-related disparities continue to persist in low-income communities. In 2004 for example, infants were six times as likely (21.3%) in Fall River, MA, and five times as likely (17.5%) in New Bedford, MA to be born to mothers who smoked than in Boston, MA (3.6%). Statewide comprehensive tobacco control activities, while very successful in decreasing overall smoking rates, have not reduced the excessive burden of smoking prevalence in low-income communities. This project focuses on engaging community members in identifying social factors that promote and sustain smoking, and in crafting low-income targeted policy recommendations.

Method: A needs assessment using quantitative and qualitative data was conducted for two low-income Massachusetts communities with high smoking rates. Data from state surveys were reviewed. In addition, to identify community concerns before developing policy recommendations, community focus groups as well as structured, in-depth interviews with key community stakeholders are being held. The results will be utilized to further engage members of the community in developing community-directed initiatives and interventions tailored to the needs and characteristics of low-income populations.

Findings: While efforts to reduce tobacco-related disparities have focused on health education and smoking cessation programming, preliminary results from community assessments emphasize the need for programs that would address individual factors that promote and sustain smoking, specifically stress management and economic support.

Conclusion: Additional systematic research is needed into how involving community residents and stakeholders in crafting initiatives that focus on factors that promote and sustain smoking behaviors, specifically in low-income populations, can reduce tobacco-related disparities.