Latinos Kick Buts: Mobile Engagement and Cessation Support for Latino Smokers

DESCRIPTION provided by applicant Latinos Kick Buts Mobile Engagement and Cessation Support for Latino Smokers Latinos are less likely than non Hispanic whites to have access to health to have knowledge of existing smoking cessation resources to receive advice to stop smoking and to participate in smoking cessation programs Mobile technologies can dramatically enhance the reach of effective smoking cessation interventions However the reach of mobile interventions among Latinos remains minimal despite the fact that Latinos utilize smartphone at a higher rate An effective feasible model for reaching and treating Latino smokers through mobile technologies has the potential for immediate widespread adoption The objective of this proposal is to adapt the Kick Buts messaging and web content to be culturally relevant and linguistically appropriate to improve access to and utilization of smoking cessation resources among Latinos This new version will also be expanded to engage and promote a dialogue among Latino smokers regardless of their readiness to quit aimed at creating a culture of quitting and thus affecting a measurable increase in quit attempts as well as the utilization of cessation resources Automated and interactive text messaging will be used in combination with web based content accessible via text embedded links to cost effectively build and reinforce key behavioral skills and to implement a personal culturally relevant quit plan facilitate access to ordering nicotine replacement therapy as needed directly via mobile phone automatically link smokers to online social support and coordinate the critical follow up that smokers need after a cessation attempt All participants will complete follow up assessment at the end of treatment Week Aim Build the foundation to support future large scale evaluations of Latinos Kick Buts Aim Identify the perceived efficacy and relevance of various different types of text messages for Latinos This project will lead to the development of an evidence based cost efficient and commercially viable text messaging program designed for and broadly accessible to Latino smokers This Phase I project will directly lead to a Phase II randomized trial that will determine the overall impact of this culturaly tailored mobile intervention Based on the success of our existing Kick Buts program across multiple market segments we believe Latinos Kick Buts could generate substantial interest among private and public sponsors and providers of health and wellness programs PUBLIC HEALTH RELEVANCE Latinos are the largest and fastest growing population in the U S and tobacco use is the leading preventable cause of disease and death among U S Latinos Although enhancing tobacco use treatment for this at risk underserved group is a critical public health priority little is known about effectively treating Latino smokers This innovative study will directly evaluate a culturally enhanced technology driven smoking cessation intervention for Latino smokers with the long term goal of reducing tobacco related health disparities disease and death among Latinos