A Review of Smoking among Rural African Americans: Recommendations for Research and Cessation Interventions

Objective: The purpose of this review is to synthesize the available literature on smoking among rural African Americans. Methods: Using search terms “rural” “African American” “Black” and “smoking” 19 relevant articles were identified in the Medline data base. Findings gleaned from the 19 articles are presented in four categories: a) smoking prevalence, b) smoking behavior and patterns, c) smoking cessation interventions and quitting, and d) smoking-related outcomes. Results: There may be gender differences, a pattern of late onset of smoking, and a preference for mentholated brands among rural African American smokers. There is no evidence that rural African Americans are less likely to quit than other populations, though there may be disparities in receiving appropriate treatment services or advice to quit. Conclusion: More research regarding the socio-cultural and systemic factors that influence the trajectory of smoking initiation, maintenance and cessation among rural African Americans is needed.