Exploring cultural attitudes on smoking in construction trade workers

Background: Blue-collar workers, particularly in the construction trades, are more likely to smoke, smoke more heavily, and have less success in quitting compared to white-collar workers. We sought to understand cultural issues promoting smoking among construction trade workers. Methods: We are conducting focus groups with union trade workers to assess attitudes about smoking as well as general cultural factors relevant to shaping cessation messages. Results: Preliminary analyses are based on three focus groups to date, conducted with carpenters (n=20). Workers were aware of the health risks associated with smoking and were concerned about long-term health effects. Smoking played a major role in carpenters' social culture at work and at home. In general, carpenters did not feel that smoking affects work performance or safety, and do not think that their union should encourage people to quit. Financial incentives were suggested as a possible motivator to quit, however, most agreed that they will quit only when they decide to on their own. The idea of a smoking cessation program designed specifically for carpenters was received favorably, but the likelihood of attending such a program depends on readiness to quit. Discussion: More focus groups are scheduled to further examine cultural attitudes. Results from focus groups will guide development of culturally tailored health communication interventions to promote smoking cessation among construction trade workers.