Community-Based Preferences for e-Smoking Cessation

Abstract

This article reports user perceptions and preferences in the communication of Web-based smoking cessation resources targeting African American adult smokers. In a 2-stage data collection process, the first stage addressed the potential of the Web to aid in smoking cessation with 6 focus groups. In the second stage, 3 focus groups focused on the usefulness of 2 unique smoking cessation Web sites. All 56 focus group participants completed a demographic survey. Seventy-five percent indicated they would use an online program. A qualitative analysis of all 9 focus groups indicated that (a) usefulness of the Web to aid in cessation is linked to convenience and evidence that a Web-based aid will work, and (b) usefulness of the information delivered through these Web sites is based on style of communication, information type, and content. These findings can enhance efforts to target smoking cessation Web sites and messages to adult African American smokers, especially if targeting considers communal relevance and the African American family.

Keywords:

• African Americans
• E-Health
• Smoking Cessation

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Jennifer R. Warren

Jennifer R. Warren (PhD, The Pennsylvania State University, 2006) is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Communication at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 4 Huntington St., Rm. 216, New Brunswick, NJ 08901. E-mail: [email protected]