An Exploration of Latino Smokers and the Use of Pharmaceutical Aids

BackgroundLatino smokers are less likely than white non-Latino smokers to use nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) or bupropion when trying to quit smoking. The current study explored sociocultural and psychosocial factors related to nonuse of smoking-cessation medications among Latino smokers.MethodsStructured discussions were held with six separate focus groups of current smokers (n =49) who self-identified as Latino, had attempted to quit in the past 12 months, and were aged 35 to 64 years. Participants were recruited from Latino-serving health clinics, community events, and community organizations. Session recordings were transcribed, and content analysis was used to organize themes into categories.ResultsSix thematic categories emerged across most or all discussion groups: (1) smoking is a weakness rather than an illness, (2) pharmaceuticals are generally avoided, (3) NRT is mistrusted, (4) bupropion is widely rejected, (5) views are mixed regarding ethnic dimensions of smoking and quitting, and (6) misconceptions are common regarding smoking and cessation.ConclusionsCognitive reframing strategies should be developed and tested for Latino smokers who decline pharmacologic smoking-cessation assistance for reasons other than well-informed autonomous choice.