The 13th World Conference on Tobacco OR Health

Objective: Smoking is a major risk factor for cardiovascular conditions, including coronary heart disease (CHD), stroke, peripheral arterial disease, and others. Former smokers experience lower rates of these conditions than continuing smokers. Achieving smoking cessation among smokers is a high public health priority. The WISEWOMAN Program, aimed at financially disadvantaged women, demonstrates how successful intervention can lower the estimated risk of CHD as part of a comprehensive public health strategy against smoking.

Methods: In an effort to improve health among the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP) participants who are at risk for cancer and other chronic diseases, WISEWOMAN provides additional services to a subset of NBCCEDP participants. These services include chronic disease risk factor screenings, access to medications, referral services, smoking cessation programs and diet and physical activity classes. Cessation activities are tailored to address the needs of financially disadvantaged and minority populations.

Results: WISEWOMAN has reached 12,167 smokers, 28% of whom are minorities. The smoking prevalence is 13% among Hispanics, 25% among Blacks, 30% among Whites, and 36% among American Indians/Alaska Natives (AI). Over the one-year follow-up period, smoking rates decreased significantly from baseline: Whites (5.9%), Blacks (6.0%), Hispanics (13.5%), and AI (7.6%). Reductions in smoking and other risk factors translate into statistically significant improvements from baseline in the overall 10-year CHD risk: Whites (3.9%), Blacks (6.0%), and AI (6.4%). Lessons from WISEWOMAN should stimulate much wider application of such strategies to accelerate reduction of cardiovascular deaths, disability, disparities, and costs both nationally and globally.