The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #62937

Grace X. Ma, PhD¹, Steven E. Shive, PhD², Yin Tan, MD, MPH, MSOH¹, Jamil Toubbeh, PhD¹, Carolyn Y. Fang, PhD³, and Rosita L. Edwards¹. (1) Department of Public Health, Temple University, 304A Vivacqua Hall, P.O. Box 2843, Philadelphia, PA 19122, 215-204-5108, xma00000@nimbus.temple.edu, (2) Health & Community Services, California State University, Chico, 607 Buttle Hall, 400 First Street, Chico, CA 95920-050, (3) Division of Population Science, Fox Chase Cancer Center, 510 Township Line Road, Third Floor, Cheltenham, PA 19012

This study examined tobacco use, secondhand smoke exposure and related knowledge, attitudes and behaviors among Asian Americans in the Delaware Valley, and the relationship between acculturation and smoking, social influence patterns on smoking, and stages of change of smoking among subgroups. A cross-sectional research design with stratified-cluster proportional sampling technique was used. A multi-lingual questionnaire was developed, back-translated, and pilot-tested for reliability and validity. Study sample was 1174 Chinese, Koreans, Vietnamese, and Cambodians. Findings revealed mean age of initiation to be 18.3, 40% ever and 30% current users. Significant differences were reflected in smoking by gender, ethnicity, educational level, and marital and employment status, males more likely to be smokers. While knowledge and attitudes about smoking and secondhand smoke were associated with these variables, ethnic pride and smoking status played significant roles. Results indicated that while father-brother had greater social influence on young male smoking behavior, smoking friends had influence on both genders. Additionally, whereas acculturation impact on smoking varied with gender, age, and time living in U.S., stages of change of smoking was associated with similar variables. Findings provide comprehensive insights into tobacco use and related KAB among Asian Americans that reflect need for developing culturally appropriate programs for this underserved population.

Learning Objectives:

• At the conclusion of the session, the audience will have a comprehensive understanding of tobacco use among Asian Americans populations, potential predictors of current tobacco use; readiness of current smokers to quit; knowledge and attitudes toward tobacco and tobacco-related diseases, second hand smoke and tolerance to it, impact of acculturation on smoking and social influences of family and friends on smoking behavior.

Keywords: Tobacco, Asian Americans

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
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.