The findings of two new studies by a University of Texas School of Public Health researcher suggest that discrimination may influence smoking behavior in socioeconomically disadvantaged populations and among those with minority racial or ethnic backgrounds. The studies, published online in December in Nicotine and Tobacco Research and Drug and Alcohol Dependence in January, surveyed smokers to evaluate the impact of discrimination on nicotine dependence and smoking cessation. Dr. Darla Kendzor, assistant professor of health promotion and behavioral sciences at the University of Texas School of Public Health Dallas Regional Campus, led both studies. Initial findings suggest that people who experience more discrimination have higher levels of nicotine dependence and are less likely to quit smoking.