Reducing Tobacco Use Disparities Among Low-Income Adults

Most smokers, especially those who are poor, do not receive smoking cessation treatment during their healthcare visits. This study is evaluating a novel population health management intervention for low-income smokers. Automated via an EHR system, which is bidirectionally linked with the Illinois Tobacco Quitline, the intervention comprises a mailed letter and text messaging designed to motivate low-income patients, most of whom are not ready to quit, to accept and use proactive quitline treatment. Increased access to free effective treatment via the integration of healthcare systems and state quitline services may be especially significant in its impact on low-income smokers who are underserved and who carry a much greater burden of tobacco-related disease.