Exploring the role of religiosity in smoking cessation for African Americans (AA)

Many researchers have found positive correlations between higher levels of religiosity and positive health behaviors, including contraceptive use and drug refusal. However, conflicting results exist regarding religiosity and smoking cessation. Some data suggest that greater levels of religiosity support quitting while others report no correlation. Given the importance of religiosity in AAs but lack of knowledge regarding the role of religiosity in supporting quitting, this pilot study examined that relationship in 72 AA smokers using Chantix. Religiosity is defined as belief in a higher power's control over health behavior. Religiosity was assessed at baseline utilizing the God Locus of Health Control (GLHC) scale - a 6-item self-report instrument that assesses perceptions of God's control over quitting smoking. Items include God's control over ability to quit, difficulty of quitting, events and factors that affect quitting. Month 3 quitting was measured via carbon monoxide (CO) verified 7-day abstinence with ≤10 ppm indicating a non-smoker. Baseline participant characteristics [mean (SD)]: Age [46.8 yrs (11.3)]; Female (62.5%); Married/cohabitating (39.4%); Income <$1800/month (58.2%); <High School Graduate (16.7%); Cigarettes per day (cpd) [16.3 cpd (5.4)]; CO [37.0 ppm (21.9)]; and Religiosity score [18.3 (9.9)]. Logistic regression indicated baseline religiosity (total GLHC) did not predict month 3 quitting (p=0.34). Examination of individual items did not show significant associations (p=0.20-0.72). Results support current literature stating religiosity does not predict smoking cessation in AAs, although results should be replicated in larger samples. The lack of relationship may be due to participant relinquishment of personal responsibility. Further studies are needed.