Tobacco use is the single most preventable cause of mortality and morbidity in the United States with an estimated 418,000 premature deaths each year. Among Asian American/Pacific Islanders, smoking and tobacco use is varied, ranging from 43% among Southeast Asians to 28% among Chinese. While Hmong refugees have been in the United States for approximately 30 years, smoking and tobacco use prevalence data among this Southeast Asian group has not been researched. Studies have focused on Cambodian, Laotian, and Vietnamese cultural practices of tobacco use; however, there has been a paucity of research that explores the traditional use of tobacco among the Hmong. This project focused on the traditional cultural uses and perceptions of tobacco among the Hmong. Six culturally appropriate focus groups were conducted with 10-12 individuals in each group: (1) Males, 30-55 years; (2) females, 30-45 years; (3) males, 19-29 years; (4) females, 19-29 years, and combined male/females, 15-18 years (5) and 10-14 years (6). Each focus group was guided in their discussion by a Hmong facilitator exploring key issues in the Hmong language about tobacco-related practices and patterns. Information gathered was analyzed and categorized to capture overarching themes emerging from the focus group responses. The findings indicated that tobacco is an integral part of traditional practices including wedding negotiations, medicinal treatments, and funerals. Furthermore, tobacco is commonly grown by older Hmong and smoked in a traditional bamboo pipe. The “tobacco water” from the pipe is used for medicinal purposes. Further findings will be presented.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant will be able to: 1. discuss the traditional smoking and tobacco use practices of the Hmong; and 2. develop culturally appropriate tobacco use interventions for the Hmong.
Keywords: Ethnicity, 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.