The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #43131

Ivy Hontz, MA in Counseling¹, Suzanne Kennedy Leahy, MA, ABD in Socy², and Kathryn Allen Judge Nearing, MA². (1) Asian Pacific Development Center, 1544 Elmira Street, Aurora, CO 80010, (2) OMNI Research and Training, Inc., 899 Logan Street, Suite 600, Denver, CO 80203-3156

This session will describe the methods used to conduct a tobacco control needs assessment for the Asian population in Colorado and findings from this study. The needs assessment gathered qualitative data about tobacco use, its prevalence, prevention of use among youth, and cessation. Components of the study included key informant interviews 1)with Asian health practitioners and 2) with the ten largest Asian ethnic populations in Colorado. Health practitioner interviews were conducted with individuals practicing nursing, mental health, dentistry, in addition to medical doctors and practitioners of alternative healing. The latter key informant interviews were conducted using a peer-to-peer researcher model. This model employed bilingual and bicultural individuals, recognized as leaders within their ethnic communities. These individuals were trained in interview and general research techniques, to serve as "peer-to-peer researchers". Peer-to-peer researchers provided input in the development of interview questions, and conducted and debriefed interviews. Finally, an advisory board was convened to allow Asian community leaders (those with an interest in tobacco control and/or Asian health disparities) to provide feedback on researchers' interpretation of findings and on the recommendations identified for tobacco control within Asian communities.

Learning Objectives:

• *Describe the peer-to-peer researcher model, including its contributions and limitations, in the context of the Colorado Asian Pacific Islander Tobacco Needs Assessment
• *Articulate major facets of Asian perspectives on tobacco use, prevalence, prevention and cessation
• *Identify key recommendations and reflections that emerged from the needs assessment, made on behalf of the Colorado State Tobacco Education Prevention Program

Keywords: Asian and Pacific Islander, Tobacco Control

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Asian Pacific Development Center OMNI Research and Training, Inc. *Project was funded by the Colorado State Tobacco Education Prevention Program, as a part of its Special Populations Initiative
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: OMNI Research & Training was contracted by the Asian Pacific Development Center to partner in the conduct of the tobacco needs assessment that generated the information to be shared during this poster session.