Correlates of Quit Attempts Among Current Smokers by Race/Ethnicity – TUS-CPS 2003

Objective: To assess whether correlates of quit attempts vary by race/ethnicity among adult (≥18 yrs) current smokers in the U.S.

Methods: We used 2003 Tobacco Use Supplement to the Current Population Survey (CPS) data from 12,362 adults. Current smokers indicated if they had made a quit attempt in the past year because they were trying to quit smoking. Multivariate logistic regressions examined whether the relationship between demographic characteristics, smoking/cessation behaviors, smoking policies, price per pack and quit attempts varied by race/ethnicity.

Results: Black, Hispanics and multi-race were more likely to make a quit attempt than whites. Overall, young smokers, those with > HS education, persons who received doctor's advice to quit, smoked >30 minutes after waking, smoked fewer cigarettes, and who were interested in quitting were more likely to make a quit attempt. Race interacted with price per pack and home smoke rules and for all groups except multi-race quit attempts increased with price per pack. Living in a smokefree home increased quit attempts and was particularly beneficial for persons of multi-race.

Conclusions: We found some interactions between race/ethnicity and select tobacco control variables. Comprehensive tobacco control programs need to be fully funded and should increase cessation across all race/ethnic groups.