The African American/Black community faces heightened risks of morbidity and mortality from smoking-related diseases, such as lung cancer. A significant barrier to healthcare for this community is believed to be smoking stigma, which affects diagnosis and treatment.
While research on smoking stigma within the African American/Black community is limited, a recent study has revealed that negative perceptions of smoking in this population can impact patient adherence to smoking cessation programs and lung cancer screening protocols.
“Smoking stigma is pervasive in modern society, including the African American/Black population at highest risk for smoking-related mortality. This study provides a foundation and evidence for developing multilevel projects and interventions to improve healthcare, treatment adherence, and health outcomes for people who have a history of tobacco use,” said Charnita Zeigler-Johnson, PhD, MPH.
