title: Evaluation of a newly developed tobacco cessation program for people with disabilities.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Tobacco use is the single most preventable cause of morbidity and mortality, accounting for at least 480,000 deaths in the United States annually. People with disabilities smoke at a rate 1.5 times greater than the able-bodied population. Higher incidence of tobacco use among people with disabilities has been directly related to both unique and universal cessation barriers. Despite increased prevalence of tobacco use and cessation obstacles, evidence is lacking on the development of successful interventions targeting people with disabilities.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  We aimed to assess the feasibility, acceptability, and potential effectiveness of a cessation intervention tailored to people with disabilities.
  
  
  METHODS
  Eighteen tobacco users with disabilities (56% African American, 64% male) participated in a 4-week, 8-session tobacco cessation program consisting of group sessions on managing addiction, relapse, and lifestyle changes specific to people with disabilities. Semi-structured interviews were conducted at the conclusion of the program. A follow-up measure of smoking status, triggers, and nicotine replacement therapy usage was completed at 4 weeks and 6 months.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Sixteen participants completed the intervention (89%), with participants on average attending 86% of sessions. Most participants rated the program as excellent (83%) or good (8%). Qualitative interviews revealed participants value social support, accessibility, and a tailored program. Four participants (22%) reported abstinence at six months, which is greater than the standard quit rate.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study suggests tailoring a cessation program to the characteristics unique to people with disabilities may be critical in delivering meaningful and effective cessation interventions among this population.
authors.affiliation: University of Florida, Department of Behavioral Science & Community Health, Gainesville, FL, USA. Electronic address: jessking@phhp.ufl.edu.
authors.forename: Jessica L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: King
authors.affiliation: University of Florida, Department of Behavioral Science & Community Health, Gainesville, FL, USA.
authors.forename: Jamie L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Pomeranz
authors.affiliation: University of Florida, Department of Behavioral Science & Community Health, Gainesville, FL, USA.
authors.forename: Mary Ellen
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: Young
authors.affiliation: University of Florida, Department of Behavioral Science & Community Health, Gainesville, FL, USA.
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Moorhouse
authors.affiliation: University of North Florida, Brooks College of Health, Jacksonville, FL, USA.
authors.forename: Julie W
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: Merten
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D006233:Persons with Disabilities; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016730:Program Development; D015397:Program Evaluation; D016540:Smoking Cessation; D000074606:Smoking Prevention; D020340:Tobacco Use Cessation; D014481:United States
keywords: CBPR; Disability; Intervention; Tobacco cessation