title: Perspectives on Smoking Cessation in Northern Appalachia.
abstract: This study applies qualitative research methods to explore perspectives on cessation among smokers/former smokers recruited from an area of Northern Appalachia. Six focus groups, stratified by age group (18-39 years old and 40 years and older), were conducted among participants (n = 54) recruited from community settings. Participants described varied interest in and challenges with quitting smoking. Smokers 40 years and older more readily endorsed the health risks of smoking and had greater interest in quitting assistance. Participants expressed frustration with the US government for allowing a harmful product (e.g., cigarettes) to be promoted with minimal regulation. Use of social media was robust among both age groups; participants expressed limited interest in various social media/technology platforms for promoting smoking cessation. Findings from this understudied area of northern Appalachia reflect the heterogeneity of this region and contribute novel information about the beliefs, attitudes, and experiences of current and formers smokers with regard to cessation.
authors: Cancer Prevention and Population Sciences, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Elm & Carlton Streets, Buffalo, NY, 14263, USA. Elisa.rodriguez@roswellpark.org.
authors: Elisa M
authors: EM
authors: Rodriguez
authors: Department of Health Behavior, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Elm & Carlton Streets, Buffalo, NY, 14263, USA.
authors: Annamaria Masucci
authors: AM
authors: Twarozek
authors: Cancer Prevention and Population Sciences, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Elm & Carlton Streets, Buffalo, NY, 14263, USA.
authors: Deborah O
authors: DO
authors: Erwin
authors: Cancer Prevention and Population Sciences, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Elm & Carlton Streets, Buffalo, NY, 14263, USA.
authors: Christy
authors: C
authors: Widman
authors: Cancer Prevention and Population Sciences, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Elm & Carlton Streets, Buffalo, NY, 14263, USA.
authors: Frances G
authors: FG
authors: Saad-Harfouche
authors: Department of Family Medicine, State University of New York at Buffalo, 240 Goodell Street, Buffalo, NY, 14208, USA.
authors: Chester H
authors: CH
authors: Fox
authors: Department of Urology, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, NY, 14263, USA.
authors: Willie
authors: W
authors: Underwood
authors: Cancer Prevention and Population Sciences, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Elm & Carlton Streets, Buffalo, NY, 14263, USA.
authors: Martin C
authors: MC
authors: Mahoney
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001061:Appalachian Region; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016540:Smoking Cessation; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Adults; Appalachia; Qualitative; Rural population; Smoking cessation