Abstract
279
Background: The Support and Empowerment Program to Quit Tobacco for Latino Cancer Survivors (SE Puede) is a mixed-methods study examining tobacco cessation disparities among Latinos. Though Latinos have lower smoking rates, they face barriers like limited counseling, low screening, and underuse of evidence-based treatments. Social determinants of health (SDOH), discrimination, gender roles, and acculturation influence quit attempts. This study quantifies these factors to guide culturally tailored strategies that reduce disparities. Methods: Latino lung, head/neck, and breast cancer survivors with a smoking history were recruited from Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center. Surveys (N = 50) assessed SDOH, acculturation, discrimination, smoking behavior, motivation, and cessation service use. Interviews and focus groups (N = 20) explored personal cessation experiences. Primary endpoints included use of cessation aids, provider counseling, quit motivators, and social needs. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics in SPSS; qualitative data using inductive thematic coding. This was an exploratory study not powered for hypothesis testing. Results: Among 50 participants (median smoking duration: 40 years), 85% were former and 12% current smokers. Over half (56%) never used cessation aids; only 38% received provider counseling. Health (74%) and family (31%) were top quit motivators. Of current smokers (n = 6), 80% were willing to quit if conditions improved; 66% had high social needs, especially food insecurity (22%) and transportation issues (24%). Stress and language discrimination were linked to lower success; only 10% were highly acculturated. Qualitative data showed smoking as a coping mechanism for stress, with family support as a key motivator. Conclusions: Latino cancer survivors face cultural and structural barriers to quitting—high social needs, limited counseling, language discrimination, and low acculturation. Bilingual, culturally tailored cessation interventions that address SDOH and engage community support are urgently needed to improve outcomes. Summary of respondent demographics, social needs, and tobacco use (N=50). Category Item % and/or (n) Demographics Mean Age (range) 69 (51-83) Female: Male 72%:28% (36:14) Born Outside U.S. 98% (49) Insurance Medicaid/MedicareMedicare OnlyPrivateOther 34%28%14.9%8.4% Social Needs TransportationFood InsecurityOther 24% (12)22% (11)24% (12) Quit Attempts Never1-2 times3-5 times5+ times 32.6%26.1%23.9%17.4% Quit Aids NoneNRTMedicationsE-cigarettesCounseling 56%22%8%6%2% Reasons to Quit Health ConcernsFamilyMedical AdviceCost 74.4%30.8%12.8%2.6% NRT = Nicotine Replacement Therapy; E-cigarettes = Electronic cigarettes.