Reducing health disparities: Smoking prevention for African American children in urban low Income community

Background:

Smoking has been identified as the most preventable cause of cancer and cardiovascular diseases in the United States. African Americans are more likely to die from heart failure or coronary heart disease, and they tend to be younger than whites at the time of their onset of hypertension. Smoking prevention is the best strategy available for reducing health disparities related to chronic diseases among African American children and adults.

Purpose:

The study aims to: 1) Describe the perceptions, attitudes and values related to beginning smoking for African American children at the precontemplation stage of smoking initiation in urban low income community; 2) Determine the factors that help precontemplators remain smoke free; and 3) Determine the effective strategies for precontemplators to resist smoking

Method:

This study is an on-going qualitative study proposing an in-depth investigation by using focus group method to understand culture-specific meanings of smoking that might influence smoking behaviors in a population of African American children who are non smokers from rural low-income areas. A convenient sample (N=70) of African American children was recruited from an urban low-income community in Newark. Children participate in audio-recorded focus groups of 5 to 6 children. The 45- to 60- minute focus group were audio-recorded and led by a trained African American moderator. The focus group interview begin with a broad introduction followed by the research questions. The data collection will be expected to be complete by April, 2009.

Data Analysis:

Focus group data will be analyzed using the software, NVivo, version 7, widely used software for qualitative data analysis. Content analysis of the transcripts will be used to identify and organize themes, which will be used to develop the content, elements and strategies of smoking a primary prevention intervention for African American children.

Results & Conclusions:

Feedback from the focus groups will serve as needs assessments of children who are in the precontemplation stage of smoking acquisition. Comments from the focus group will contribute to the development of content, elements and strategies of effective community-based smoking prevention intervention for school-aged African American children in urban low-income areas.