Abstract
This study applies qualitative research methods to explore perspectives on cessation among smokers/former smokers recruited from an area of Northern Appalachia. Six focus groups, stratified by age group (18–39 years old and 40 years and older), were conducted among participants (n = 54) recruited from community settings. Participants described varied interest in and challenges with quitting smoking. Smokers 40 years and older more readily endorsed the health risks of smoking and had greater interest in quitting assistance. Participants expressed frustration with the US government for allowing a harmful product (e.g., cigarettes) to be promoted with minimal regulation. Use of social media was robust among both age groups; participants expressed limited interest in various social media/technology platforms for promoting smoking cessation. Findings from this understudied area of northern Appalachia reflect the heterogeneity of this region and contribute novel information about the beliefs, attitudes, and experiences of current and formers smokers with regard to cessation.
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Acknowledgments
The authors acknowledge the assistance of Susan Lindner in transcribing the audiotapes from these focus group sessions and support from our community partners and focus group participants in the Southern Tier region of New York State. Portions of this data were presented as a poster at the September 2013 International Cancer Education Conference for the American Association for Cancer Education (AACE) in Seattle, WA.
Funding
This study was supported in part by the Western New York Cancer Coalition (WNYC2) Center to Reduce Disparities Grant: NIH/NCI/CRCHD U54CA153598-01.
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Rodriguez, E.M., Twarozek, A.M., Erwin, D.O. et al. Perspectives on Smoking Cessation in Northern Appalachia. J Community Health 41, 211–219 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10900-015-0084-3
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10900-015-0084-3