Tobacco Cessation in Economically Disadvantaged Dominican Republic Communities: Who are the Ex-Users?

Introduction: Tobacco use and harm continue to increase in low- and middle income countries (LMICs) globally. Smoking cessation is the most effective means of reducing morbidity and mortality from tobacco use. Increasing the prevalence of ex-users is an indicator of population cessation.

A qualitative study of tobacco use in eight economically disadvantaged Dominican Republic communities.

Understanding social conditions prior to intervention design can enhance tobacco control interventions. This paper describes formative research conducted in 2010 about tobacco use in eight economically disadvantaged Dominican Republic communities, four of which participated in a previous intervention study (2003-2008). A combined US-Dominican team used a rapid assessment process to collect qualitative social and cultural data on tobacco use, knowledge and attitudes; plus observations about social and policy factors, such as exposure to secondhand smoke (SHS), tobacco regulations, pregnancy, health care provider (HCP) practices and sustainability of the 2003-2008 intervention.

Lessons Learned from Twelve Years of Partnered Tobacco Cessation Research in the Dominican Republic.

Engaging partners for tobacco control within low and middle income countries (LMICs) at early stages of tobacco control presents both challenges and opportunities in the global effort to avert the one billion premature tobacco caused deaths projected for this century. The Dominican Republic (DR) is one such early stage country. The current paper reports on lessons learned from 12 years of partnered United States (US)-DR tobacco cessation research conducted through two NIH trials (Proyecto Doble T, PDT1 and 2).

Health care workers' knowledge, attitudes and practices on tobacco use in economically disadvantaged dominican republic communities.

Tobacco use is increasing globally, particularly in low and middle-income countries like the Dominican Republic (DR) where data have been lacking. Health care worker (HCW) interventions improve quit rates; asking patients about tobacco use at each visit is an evidence-based first step. This study provides the first quantitative examination of knowledge, attitudes and practices of DR HCWs regarding tobacco use.