![]() ![]() Researchers have highlighted the critical need to elicit feedback from the target population at the outset and throughout the process of developing mHealth interventions. Participants from low SES backgrounds were targeted with the goal of creating a SMS text messaging program that is engaging, acceptable, and optimally effective in this population. Thus, the current qualitative studies were designed to inform the development of SMS text messages to be used in a mindfulness-based smoking cessation intervention. ![]() There is substantial evidence supporting the efficacy of SMS text message-based smoking cessation interventions (for reviews, see ) however, these interventions have not focused on mindfulness. ![]() Thus, SMS text messaging might be an appropriate way to target smoking cessation in low SES and African American smokers. Furthermore, data suggest that adults from racial or ethnic minority backgrounds and those with lower education tend to text more frequently than Caucasians and those with higher education. Between-session short message service (SMS) text messaging might be an effective means to encourage participants to use mindfulness techniques in moments when they need them most, thus enhancing treatment effectiveness. Mobile health (mHealth) technology presents unique opportunities for mindfulness research and intervention, and cell phone use has become ubiquitous in the United States. However, participants do not always practice mindfulness in their daily lives. ![]() Regardless of the target population, between-session mindfulness practice (eg, sitting meditation, gentle yoga, mindful awareness of breath) is thought to be integral in producing benefits. We found that low SES, predominantly African American adults perceived the ability to practice mindfulness on their own (regardless of availability of external resources) as empowering and beneficial to both mental and physical health. Practicing a nonjudgmental, compassionate attitude toward oneself could be especially useful for people from marginalized backgrounds, and mindfulness practice (eg, mindfully focusing on one’s breath) does not require a high level of education or resources. Moreover, mindfulness may be particularly beneficial in low SES and racially or ethnically diverse populations. Mindfulness-based interventions show promise for improving smoking cessation outcomes in diverse populations. Mindfulness is defined as purposeful, present-focused attention with an attitude of acceptance and nonjudgment. There is an urgent need to develop accessible, evidence-based smoking cessation interventions targeting disparity populations, including low SES and African American smokers. Compared to other racial or ethnic groups, African Americans tend to have greater difficulty quitting smoking and higher incidence and mortality rates for diseases associated with smoking. Adults with low socioeconomic status (SES) exhibit disproportionately high rates of smoking, often have greater difficulty quitting, and consequently experience profound tobacco-related health disparities. Although most smokers indicate interest in quitting, the rates of successful smoking cessation are quite low (eg, based on 2015 data, only 7.4% of adult smokers had quit in the past year ). Tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable morbidity and mortality in the United States. ![]()
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