Study: Smoking rates double in underserved communities

Patients in underserved communities smoke at a rate double that of the general U.S. population, according to a new study (Source: “Smoking rate in underserved communities double that of general population, study says,” Medical Economics, March 7).
 
The American Cancer Society study, which was published in the journal Cancer, found that the prevalence of smoking among adults served at federally qualified health centers was 28.1%, compared to 14% reported for the general U.S. population.
 
Among other major findings in the study are that Black adults who smoked had more than two times the odds of reporting substance use disorders.
 
“Our study underscores the importance of understanding the association and increased risk of mental health conditions and substance use disorders among adults from underserved communities who smoke while also addressing socioeconomic risk factors to achieve better health outcomes,” said study author Dr. Sue C. Lin of the Health Resources and Services Administration within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. “The study further highlights the significance of tailored smoking cessation treatments for individuals from underserved communities that will support cancer prevention care.”