Knowledge and Beliefs about Smoking among Urban African Americans with Type 2 Diabetes-A Qualitative Inquiry

Background. Despite elevated risks of cardiovascular disease among African Americans with diabetes, few investigators have examined beliefs about cigarette smoking and smoking cessation among this underserved population. Methods. Focus groups (n = 4) and a short survey were used to assess cigarette use patterns, perceived smoking health effects, preferences for treatment, and attitudes toward smoking cessation among low income, African American smokers with type 2 diabetes. Results . Participants (n = 25, M = 48.5 years [+10.23], 60% female) smoked 20.9 (+12.54) cigarettes per day (CPD) and had on average 3.2 (+6.12) 24-hour quit attempts in the past year. Few had used clinic support or pharmacotherapy in their quit attempts. Participants smoked to control health-related stress, keep their appetite down, and to control their glucose. Conclusion . The results suggested that African American smokers with diabetes may be an appropriate group to target for smoking cessation. Cessation recommendations are discussed. KJM 2009; 2(2):20-32.