Feasibility and Effectiveness of a Community-Based Smoking Cessation Intervention in a Racially Diverse, Urban Smoker Cohort

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: We evaluated the feasibility, acceptability, and effectiveness, in addition to the effects of a psychoeducation-based orientation on smoking cessation knowledge for Courage to Quit (CTQ), an evidence-based smoking cessation intervention disseminated to racially diverse, urban community sites in Chicago, Illinois. METHODS: Smokers (n = 1494; 55% African American) enrolled in 6-session full (n = 945) or 3-session short (n = 549) versions of CTQ in 2008 to 2012. RESULTS: Orientation improved knowledge of efficacious and nonefficacious treatments. Acceptability was outstanding: more than 90% of participants would recommend CTQ. Feasibility was good: completion rates were 53% in the full and 75% in the short programs. Intent-to-treat quit rates were 19% in the full and 17% in the short programs (completer quit rates were 36% and 22%, respectively). Among completers, smoking cessation medication use was associated with higher quit rates. There were no racial disparities: African Americans and Whites showed similar completion and quit rates. Predictors of successful quitting were higher readiness to quit and smoking cessation medication use. CONCLUSIONS: CTQ is moderately successful in the short term as delivered in community-based settings for urban-dwelling, largely minority smokers. Further evaluation of longer-term outcomes and cost effectiveness is warranted.