Counseling and Rapport Crucial in Helping Blacks to Quit Smoking

WASHINGTON—Almost twice as many blacks (45%) smoke as the general population (25%), but blacks are 34% less successful than others at kicking the habit. Smoking cessation approaches that work with this population are particularly important.

A program combining the antidepressant bupropion (Zyban) with counseling, other emotional support, and incentives such as T-shirts proved successful in a double-blind randomized trial, said Evan D. Pankey, a student at the University of Kansas Medical School. He reported the results in a poster presentation at the 8th Biennial Symposium on Minorities, the Medically Underserved, and Cancer.

Counseling and rapport with a counselor proved the most important factors in success. Other social support was also important.

Those who succeeded in quitting viewed the incentives as a boost to their efforts. Those who failed, however, felt guilty about accepting them during the process. Worry about gaining weight was a major deterrent to success among female participants, Mr. Pankey said.