Addressing tobacco-related health disparities among Latinx adults: Community engagement and intervention research
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This talk will focus on the process and preliminary outcomes in the implementation of a feasibility study (N=38) testing a wellness program for English-preferring Latinx adults who smoke cigarettes and experience anxiety and/or depression symptoms. The program involves the provision of nicotine patches and a video/phone-based counseling intervention grounded in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). ACT's objective is to assist individuals in developing psychological flexibility by identifying their core values, strengthening their ability to experience uncomfortable thoughts and feelings, and engaging in values-consistent behaviors. The intervention entails an 8-session protocol that is culturally relevant for Latinx adults. This presentation will include: the process and outputs of the intervention development, challenges and lessons learned during recruitment, community engagement efforts, and treatment delivery (including transitioning to a virtual study during the COVID-19 pandemic), and preliminary results of the study. This work is significant because it addresses tobacco-related disparities experienced by Latinx groups.