Developing a Smoking Cessation Intervention for Low Income and Minority Women.

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this qualitative pilot study was to elicit patient and provider feedback on how to develop a smoking cessation program for low income women with cervical dysplasia in an urban Women's Health Center.

Methods: A community-based participatory research project incorporating a focus group and structured interviews was utilized to elicit feedback on how to develop a culturally appropriate smoking cessation program appealing to low-income and minority women smokers.

Results: Qualitative data from 13 patients, 4 nurses, and 6 staff members collected between January 2012-August 2012 described the challenges of finding effective mechanisms for cessation interventions that met the schedules and needs of low income and minority patients. Input from office staff indicated insufficient educational resources to offer patients, limited skills to assist patients and the importance of perceived patient readiness to quit as barriers to creating an effective smoking cessation program.

Conclusion: Smoking cessation services targeting low-income and minority female smokers can be enhanced by providing clinic staff with patient education materials and smoking cessation training.