Differences between Latino daily light and heavier smokers in smoking attitudes, risk perceptions, and smoking cessation outcome

Introduction: Daily light smoking is increasing and disproportionately represented among Latinos.The current study examines differences in smoking attitudes, psychosocial characteristics, risk perceptions, and cessation rates between Latino daily light (3 - 9 cigarettes/day) and heavier smokers (≥ 10 cigarettes/day). Methods: Participants (N = 131; Mage = 36.8,73.3% female, 53.1% light smokers) were enrolled in a study focused on motivating smokers to quit. Cessation was biochemically verified at 2 and 3 months after end of treatment. Results: Heavier smoking was more prevalent among males (65.7%) and those from Puerto Rico (69.0%). Compared with heavier smokers, light smokers were less nicotine dependent (p