Interagency Committee on Smoking and Health
Meeting Summary: March 9, 2004
Tobacco-Related Disparities Among Racial/Ethnic Populations
Committee Discussion
Dr. Barry Portnoy, National Institutes for Health, asked presenters to elaborate more on
several themes that he had heard throughout the presentations—the need for more data,
research and better accountability.
On the issue of data, panelists responded that there is a need for better, more in-depth
analysis of the data that we currently have to better understand racial and ethnic disparities.
In addition, over-sampling may be called for within certain populations. Language barriers
also exist in data collection efforts in some populations that may lead to underestimation
of the extent of tobacco use. Even when data collection instruments have been tailored for
specific populations, they may only be relevant for that specific population but none of its
subgroups. While this issue is a high priority for CDC, and several surveys have been adapted
for other languages/cultures, it will continue to pose challenges.
Regarding research, presenters discussed the importance of qualitative research that helps
us better understand why populations differ in their use of tobacco products. It is also important
that we increase the number of minority researchers and also involve community members in collecting
and analyzing the data. Furthermore, even when good research exists, there is often a scarcity of
resources to disseminate the information to those who would most benefit.
Finally, greater accountability is necessary to insure follow through from funding to program
delivery. Protocols and measurable indicators must be developed (that include more than hiring
staff to address the issue) and we must have better mechanisms for insuring that members of the
targeted community are at the table for decision-making.
Dr. Scott Leischow, NCI, asked panelists to elaborate on how best to optimize the use of tobacco
prevention and control networks.
Presenters emphasized the need for more local funding which supports collaboration and networking.
The SWOT model (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats) described by Ms. Carty is an effective
way to optimize networks as well.
Dr. Michael Fiore, University of Wisconsin, asked panelists to describe marketing and communication
strategies—those that are effective, and those that are not effective.
By and large, strategies that help build trust and engage community members are the most effective.
Two examples are community-based participatory research and social marketing techniques. Often, minority
communities do not have adequate resources to only address a single health issue—for example, tobacco
use—so often many health issues must be addressed together.
William Corrigal, NIDA, requested comments from panelists regarding ways to insure that communities
become engaged in getting effective treatments and interventions broadly disseminated into their
respective communities.
Panelists discussed the power of case studies and stories as well as the importance of building
alliances with "untraditional" partners such as the NAACP or National Council of La Raza. Unfortunately,
publication in a journal, scientific or professional is not always the best way to disseminate information,
particularly among underserved communities. It was also mentioned that many ethnic/racial populations need
assistance with proposal writing and development—particularly for federal grant applications.
Following the discussion period, Rosemarie Henson asked panel members to give a brief overview of their
organization or agencies current work in tobacco control and disparities issues. Each agency highlighted
their organization's activities and many stressed the need for additional data.
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