Future research should prospectively investigate the relationship between smoking level and biochemically confirmed abstinence with selleck kinase inhibitor larger samples of Spanish-speaking Latino smokers. The present study has several strengths. First, the focus was on Spanish-speaking Latino smokers, a historically underserved racial/ethnic group that has been grossly understudied (Fagan et al., 2007). Second, the sample allowed a detailed examination of the low end of the smoking-level spectrum because low-level and light smokers were included, unlike the majority of smoking-related randomized clinical trials that include only those who smoke at least 10 cigarettes/day (cf. Okuyemi et al., 2002).

Further, the sample allowed us to distinguish between low-level and light smokers in our exploration of dependence, withdrawal, and abstinence, which is particularly relevant among Latino smokers, given the smoking levels demonstrated here and in previous research (Kandel & Chen, 2000; S. H. Zhu et al., 2007). Finally, the present study was unique in its examination of low-level smoking because of its comprehensive assessment of tobacco dependence using the WISDM-68. A notable limitation of the present study is the lack of biochemical verification of abstinence. However, biochemical verification of the results would likely alter the pattern of results only if there was a systematic bias for misreporting that was dependent on smoking level, which is unlikely. The participants in this study were treatment-seeking, Spanish-speaking Latinos from Texas, two-thirds of whom were of Mexican heritage; therefore, results may not generalize to other Latino population groups.

Whether participants modified their smoking level prior to baseline data collection in anticipation of a quit attempt was unknown, and future studies with similar designs should account for this possibility. To the best of our knowledge, this study was the first to examine tobacco dependence, withdrawal, and abstinence during a specific quit attempt among low-level, Spanish-speaking Latino smokers. Results indicated that low-level smokers were less dependent on tobacco and manifested less craving relative to light and moderate/heavy smoking groups. However, we found no differences between groups in abstinence during the quit attempt.

This study represents a preliminary step in understanding the factors influencing tobacco dependence and smoking cessation among low-level Spanish-speaking Latino smokers, a subgroup with high prevalence in the Latino population, and is important in its focus on an understudied and underserved group. Funding Minority Health GSK-3 Research and Education Program of the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board; National Cancer Institute (R01 CA94826, R01 CA89350, R25 CA57730); and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (K01DP001120, K01DP000086). Declaration of Interests None declared.