Opinions of African Americans and African American Legislators Toward Tobacco Control Policies

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Project Summary:

Studies have shown that African Americans have higher smoking prevalence rates, smoke fewer cigarettes, begin smoking at later ages, have lower smoking cessation rates and consume different brands than do white Americans. A number of prominent African American civic, political and cultural organizations and black politicians receive substantial funding from the tobacco industry (TI) that they consider crucial in addressing important community issues such as eliminating racism, promoting social equality, and community development. Questions have been raised as to the commitment of black political representatives to support tobacco control policies which can help to reduce the high prevalence and mortality rates from smoking- related diseases among African Americans. This research project aims to collect data from African American respondents and African American state legislators and congressional representatives to examine the following project objectives: 1.Conduct a survey of 1,000 African Americans residing in the state legislative districts of 10 African American Congressional lawmakers about state specific tobacco control legislation, the use of resources to reduce cigarette smoking in African American communities, and the voting patterns of African American state and Congressional lawmakers on tobacco control legislation. 2.Follow longitudinally a subsample (n=500) of respondents from each district to measure changes in knowledge, opinions and voting behavior on tobacco control issues. 3.Conduct a matching district survey of 30-60 African American state legislators and congressional representatives to ascertain their opinions about state specific tobacco control legislation and the use of state tobacco settlement resources to reduce cigarette smoking in African American communities. 4.Compare the opinions of African American constituents with those of African American lawmakers, their voting records on tobacco legislation and policies of direct interests to African American communities. Data analysis will consist of descriptive and multivariate statistical procedures. The results of this project can be useful in working with black caucuses in local, state and federal legislative bodies; in generating greater community interest and participation in tobacco control issues; increasing the diversity of civic groups and anti-smoking coalitions; developing coalitions with African American local and state organizations; disseminating a broader understanding of African American opinions on tobacco policies.