To Text or Not to Text? Technology-based Cessation Communication Preferences among Urban, Socioeconomically Disadvantaged Smokers

• Published in: Ethnicity & disease 2018-07, Vol.28 (3), p.161-168
• Main Authors: Alcaraz, Kassandra I., Riehman, Kara, Vereen, Rhyan, Bontemps-Jones, Jeuneviette, Westmaas, J. Lee
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Original Report: Promising Cancer Prevention Interventions
• ISSN: 1049-510X; 1945-0826
• DOI: 10.18865/ed.28.3.161

Effective smoking cessation interventions are needed to reduce tobacco-related disparities. Communication technology-based interventions are increasingly being employed to help smokers quit, with controlled research demonstrating efficacy of text messaging and email in increasing abstinence. Understanding preferences for such strategies among socioeconomically disadvantaged smokers can inform targeted intervention planning. The aims of this study were to: 1) examine socioeconomically disadvantaged smokers' use of and access to communication technology; and 2) elucidate preferences for receiving quitting information and support via email and text message. This cross-sectional, mixed-methods study collected data from a self-administered survey and focus groups in September 2017. A community-based, sample of 15 predominantly African American, socioeconomically disadvantaged smokers aged 21-64 years. Smartphone ownership was high, although use of communication-based cessation resources such as web sites and smartphone apps was low. Four themes emerged relevant to preferences for receiving quitting information and support via email and text message: access, appropriateness, intended use, and satisfaction. Although initially participants were mixed in their preferences for receiving emails vs texts, 80% preferred emails over texts when presented with sample emails and text messages containing cessation information. In this sample of socioeconomically disadvantaged smokers, emails were preferred over text messages for smoking cessation assistance. Although both email and text message strategies may be acceptable to socioeconomically disadvantaged smokers generally, issues such as access and intended use should be considered to inform specific disparity-reducing intervention approaches.