Feasibility and Acceptability of a Culturally- and Linguistically-Adapted Smoking Cessation Text Messaging Intervention for Latino Smokers.

Francisco Cartujano-Barrera,Francisco J Díaz,Mariana Ramírez,Evelyn Arana-Chicas,Ana Paula Cupertino,Edward F Ellerbeck,Jaime Perales-Puchalt,Pamela Valera,Delwyn Catley,Lisa Sanderson Cox

doi:10.3389/fpubh.2020.00269

Abstract

Objective: Assess the feasibility and acceptability of a culturally- and linguistically-adapted smoking cessation text messaging intervention for Latino smokers.Methods: Using a community-based strategy, 50 Latino smokers were recruited to participate in a smoking cessation pilot study. Participants received a 12-week text messaging intervention and were offered Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) at no cost. We assessed biochemically verified abstinence at 12 weeks, text messaging interactivity with the program, NRT utilization, self-efficacy, therapeutic alliance, and satisfaction.Results: Participants were 44.8 years old on average (SD 9.80), and they were primarily male (66%) and had no health insurance (78%). Most of the participants were born in Mexico (82%) and were light smokers (1–10 CPD) (68%). All participants requested the first order of NRT, and 66% requested a refill. Participants sent an average of 39.7 text messages during the 12-week intervention (SD 82.70). At 12 weeks, 30% of participants were biochemically verified abstinent (88% follow-up rate) and working alliance mean value was 79.2 (SD 9.04). Self-efficacy mean score increased from 33.98 (SD 10.36) at baseline to 40.05 (SD 17.65) at follow-up (p = 0.04). The majority of participants (90.9%, 40/44) reported being very or extremely satisfied with the program.Conclusion: A culturally- and linguistically-adapted smoking cessation text messaging intervention for Latinos offers a promising strategy to increase the use of NRT, generated high satisfaction and frequent interactivity, significantly increased self-efficacy, produced high therapeutic alliance, and resulted in noteworthy cessation rates at the end of treatment. Additional testing as a formal randomized clinical trial is warranted.

Highlights

Tobacco use remains the leading preventable cause of disease and death among Latinos [1], the largest minority group in the United States (U.S.) [2]
Latinos report a lack of knowledge about smoking cessation treatment options and perceive a lack of cultural sensitivity when smoking cessation resources are available in Spanish [11]
Non-adherence to smoking cessation pharmacotherapy has been identified as an important barrier to smoking cessation success among Latino smokers [14, 15]

Summary

Introduction

Tobacco use remains the leading preventable cause of disease and death among Latinos [1], the largest minority group in the United States (U.S.) [2]. Of the ∼60 million Latinos than reside in the U.S [2], 9.8% are current cigarette smokers [3]. Compared to both African Americans and non-Hispanic Whites, Latinos are less likely to receive advice to quit and utilize smoking cessation pharmacotherapy and counseling [4,5,6,7,8,9]. Non-adherence to smoking cessation pharmacotherapy has been identified as an important barrier to smoking cessation success among Latino smokers [14, 15]. Advancing treatment for Latino smokers demands accessible, effective, and culturally sound interventions

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Results

Discussion

Conclusion