The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #72661

Joyce Moon-Howard, DrPH, Sociomedical Sciences Department, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, 722 West 168th Street, New York, NY 10032, 212-305-1937, jmh7@columbia.edu and Jay E. Cross, PhD, Sociomedical Sciences Department, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, 722 West 168th Street, New York, NY 10032.

Objectives: The overall goal of the study is to contribute to the broader of understanding of the dynamics and determinants of late (beyond adolescence) smoking initiation among African American women. Specific aims are to: 1) examine tobacco use patterns among a sample of African American women; 2) conduct an in-depth analysis of personal and situational factors which influence as well as protect against later tobacco use initiation; 3) work with community partners to design the research and to develop intervention strategies based on findings; and 4) disseminate reports and recommendations for prevention interventions for late initiators. Methods: A mixed method approach is used. First, a random digit dial telephone sample of women living in Harlem ages 18-65 is employed to examine tobacco use patterns and factors associated with tobacco use initiation. These findings are used to develop a taxonomy of different trajectories into smoking. Second, women representing each trajectory type based on their phone survey responses are recruited into focus group discussions to explore in depth context, process and progression to smoking initiation for each subgroup. Results: 1) Methodological findings support the limited use of a phone survey to reach adult smokers in an African American community; 2) Process findings demonstrate the importance of community-academic partnerships in guiding the research; 3) Survey and focus group findings point to the existence of adult stressors (e.g. employment and housing) and adult relationships (spouse/ partners) that influence smoking initiation, factors not addressed by current smoking prevention interventions that focus on adolescent life stage issues.

Learning Objectives:

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant will be able to :
• Identify factors associated with late initiation of smoking among African American women. 2)Describe and discuss the mechanism by which these factors influence later smoking initiation.
• Delineate the process of community-based participation in the conduct of the research described.

Keywords: Smoking, African American

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.