Cultural Tailoring in Smoking Cessation Programs

Regardless of the platform for delivering support, cultural tailoring, which refers to imbuing or framing the content of cessation support with shared values, beliefs and practices of targeted groups, appears to be more effective compared to non-culturally tailored approaches.¹ Studies of the efficacy of cultural tailoring have focused on individuals belonging to racial/ethnic groups, LGBTQ individuals, or those living with a chronic disease such as HIV. An example of a tailored approach to a specific patient group is a smartphone app for cancer survivors being evaluated by researchers. The program addresses feelings of stigma, shame, and depression that make it difficult for cancer survivors to quit smoking.²