Smoking cessation programmes targeted at black and minority ethnic communities

Recent research carried out in Britain(1) amongst four black and minority ethnic groups provides information which can be used to support smoking cessation programmes targeted at these groups. Smoking prevalence rates are generally lower than for the white British population although there are some exceptions. Motivation to quit appears to he high. For example, knowledge of the health risks of smoking is high, as is the desire to quit. However there are fewer attempts to quit and therefore a lower than avenge smoking cessation rate. This indicates there is potential for targeted campaigns to achieve good results. Based on these findings smoking cessation targeted at black and minority ethnic groups would appear to be very timely. Innovative targeted campaigns with a national coverage are discussed including the Ramadan Project, a resource pack funded by the Department of Health and No Smoking Day. Local activities which target black and minority ethnic smokers in the workplace or cultural centres are also discussed. Recommendations for future smoking cessation strategies are suggested.