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

Abstract #64321

Brenda L. Rooney, PhD, Community and Preventive Care Services, Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center, 1836 South Avenue, La Crosse, WI 54601, 608-775-2152, blrooney@gundluth.org, Yer Xiong, MS, Hmong Mutual Assistance Association Inc., 2613 George Street, La Crosse, WI 54601, Thai Vue, Wisconsin United Coalition of Mutual Assistance Associations, Inc, 2613 George Street, La Crosse, WI 54601, Al Bliss, BS, La Crosse County Health Department, 300 North 4th Street, La Crosse, WI 54601, and Kathy J. Smalley, BS, Gundersen Lutheran Medical Foundation, Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center, 1836 South Avenue, La Crosse, WI 54601.

Introduction: Studies have reported higher smoking rates among Asian Americans. Most combined ethnic subgroups; none reported solely on Hmong people. How smoking knowledge and attitudes compare across generations of Hmong is unknown. Methods: In Spring 2002, Wisconsin United Coalition of Mutual Assistance Associations surveyed the state’s major Hmong communities to determine knowledge, beliefs, and smoking rate. Paper-pencil surveys (similar to national smoking surveys), one for youth (12-17) and one for adults (18+), were available in English and Hmong. Results: 2882 people (1468 youth; 1414 adults) completed the survey (10% of Wisconsin’s Hmong population.) 60% youth and 24% adults were U.S. born. Tobacco use differed significantly by age, gender, and birthplace. Fifteen percent of youth reported regular tobacco use, 21% in the past 30 days, and 32% ever used tobacco. Males (15-17) had the highest current tobacco use among youth (27%). 20% of adults reported regular tobacco use, 23% in the past 30 days, and 36% ever use. Males (51+) had the highest use (32%). Adults born in the US were 2.5 times more likely to smoke; youth were 1.5 times more likely than foreign-born. Knowledge about smoking’s harmful effects and attitudes about negative social consequences were higher for those under 35. Adults 35+ favored policies restricting smoking locations. Knowledge, attitudes, and policy support were higher for non-smokers in all age groups. Conclusions: Significant generational gaps in smoking knowledge and attitudes exist among the Hmong. Understanding the heterogeneity of cigarette use, knowledge, and beliefs is important for creating sound intervention programs.

Learning Objectives:

At the conclusion of the session, the participant in this session will be able to:
• Articulate the smoking rate, knowledge, and attitudes among Hmong Americans.
• Understand how smoking rate, knowledge, attitudes and support of tobacco- control policies differ across generations of Hmong Americans.
• Discuss how differences across generations and other characteristics may alter the creation of intervention programs for this ethnic group.

Keywords: Asian Americans, Smoking

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.