Abstract A013: “You can’t escape tobacco; you have to change your environment”: Perceived barriers to and recommendations for cessation among polytobacco using urban young adults in Baltimore, Maryland

Abstract

Abstract Background/Purpose: Polyuse of tobacco products is increasing among urban young adults. Understanding different use profiles and the obstacles that this population faces in an attempt to quit smoking is important to inform effective cessation programs. We explored perceived barriers to tobacco cessation and recommendations for/interest in cessation programs among urban young adult polytobacco users. Methods/Approach: 17 focus groups were conducted among 97 tobacco users between the ages of 18 and 26 from Baltimore, Maryland. Qualitative data were analyzed using framework analysis. Results/Findings: All participants reported a history of tobacco product polyuse, and 85% reported polyuse in the past 30 days. Several barriers to tobacco cessation emerged, including: influence of social network, easy access, source of stress relief (anxiety management), belief in self-control (ability to stop on own if desired), and boredom. Most participants reported little interest in or success with standard pamphlet-based and in-person cessation programs, but did view mobile-based cessation programs favorably. Discussions suggested that the ideal program would be quick, interactive, and would provide tailored prompts along the way, delivering cues to action. Conclusions/Significance: Given the higher prevalence of polyuse in comparison to single use for this population, tobacco cessation interventions targeting urban young adults may need to account for polyuse of tobacco. Results from this study indicate that this population faces multiple barriers to cessation, but that there is interest in utilizing mobile-based interventions and social media for cessation attempts, ultimately allowing them to manage cessation in their own time, and is more fitting of their lifestyle. Citation Format: Daisy Le, Gypsyamber D'Souza, Rebkha Atnafou, Meghan B. Moran. “You can’t escape tobacco; you have to change your environment”: Perceived barriers to and recommendations for cessation among polytobacco using urban young adults in Baltimore, Maryland [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Twelfth AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2019 Sep 20-23; San Francisco, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2020;29(6 Suppl_2):Abstract nr A013.