Tobacco use and its health consequences have been studied rigorously. Most studies conducted in the United States focused on domestic tobacco use, but few made international comparisons. The purpose of this study was to compare the knowledge, attitudes, and practice regarding tobacco use between American and Chinese college students. The study utilized a questionnaire that was developed by a panel of experts who adopted and modified existing questionnaires originally developed for use in the USA. A Chinese version of the final questionnaire was approved by bilingual scholars. Pilot studies were conducted among both American and Chinese students before the survey. American participants were students at a large Midwestern University while Chinese participants were selected from a large southeast China university. A total of 2131 usable surveys were collected. Both descriptive and inferential statistical tests were employed in data analysis. In general, compared to Chinese college students, American students were more likely to smoke cigarettes ( Male 80.5% vs. 71.1%, Female 76.0% vs. 14.5%, respectively), use other tobacco products ( 67% vs. 16.2%), start smoking at 14 or older (82.6% vs. 64%), and have tried quitting smoking (51.0% vs. 22.3%). American respondents also scored higher in knowledge but lower in attitude sections of the survey, indicating they were more knowledgeable about but less positively motivated in tobacco use prevention. Data were also analyzed by demographic characteristics of the participants. The findings should provide valuable information for health educators in both countries when planning and evaluating tobacco prevention and education programs.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, the participant will be able to: 1. describe the similarities and differences of knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding tobacco use between American and Chinese college students; 2. discuss the global issue of tobacco use; 3. apply this information to the development of drug use prevention and education programs
Keywords: College Students, Tobacco
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.