Acculturation predicts 7-day smoking cessation among treatment-seeking African-Americans in a group intervention.

BACKGROUND

African-Americans suffer disproportionately from tobacco-associated morbidity and mortality. Considering the relationship between cultural variables and cessation may be important for reducing disparities.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to examine acculturation as a predictor of smoking cessation following a standard group intervention.

METHODS

Treatment-seeking smokers (N = 140) participated in a group intervention for cessation plus transdermal nicotine patch therapy and completed the African American Acculturation Scale-Revised at baseline. The primary outcome was self-reported 7-day point prevalence abstinence at the end-of-counseling and 3 and 6 months postintervention.

RESULTS

Adjusted logistic regression analyses found that acculturation predicted end-of-counseling and 3-month 7-day point prevalence abstinence; traditional African-Americans (i.e., less acculturated) were less likely to quit smoking. Cultural superstitions, religious beliefs and practices, and interracial attitudes were predictive of smoking cessation.

CONCLUSIONS

Acculturation was associated with cessation following a group-based intervention. Culturally specific adaptations to established interventions might improve outcomes for traditional smokers.