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

Abstract #73318

Healani K. Chang, DrPH¹, Joseph Keawe Kaholokula, MA², Andrew Grandinetti, PhD¹, Thomas M. Vogt, MD, MPH³, Shawn Kanaiaupuni, PhD⁴, and Kathryn Braun, DrPH⁵. (1) Pacific Biomedical Research Center, University of Hawaii at Manoa, 1993 East-West Road, Room CSA 002, Honolulu, HI 96822, 808 956-8268, healani@pbrc.hawaii.edu, (2) Psychology Department, University of Hawaii at Manoa, 2430 Campus Road, Gartley Hall 110, Honolulu, HI 96822, (3) Center for Health Research Hawaii, Kaiser Permanente, 501 Alakawa St., Honolulu, HI 96817, (4) Kamehameha Schools, 567 S. King St. # 121, Honolulu, HI 96813, (5) Public Health Sciences and Epidemiology, University of Hawaii at Manoa, 1960 East-West Road, Biomed. D-203, Honolulu, HI 96822

Tobacco use is one of the most important modifiable risk factors for health concerns such as lung cancer and cardiovascular disease. Many ethnic minority groups suffer disproportionately from cancer, and disparities exist in both mortality and incidence rates. The aims of this study is to identify culturally relevant strategies that will help reduce rates of smoking among Native Hawaiians, 27% of whom are current smokers. This study has two phases. First, we will reanalyze an existing, multiethnic database (N=1,459) from North Kohala, Hawai'i for correlates of smoking behavior. Second, we will use focus groups and the cultural assessment framework (Huff and Kline, 1999) to gain a greater understanding of the Native Hawaiian cultural perspectives as it pertains to health, disease, and lifestyle changes to support a reduction in tobacco use. Utilizing an existing database that includes smoking history (N=252), forty current smokers and 40 former smokers will participate in focus group discussions to expand our understanding of the explanatory models generated in the first phase of this study and assess reasons for smoking, health beliefs and perceived barriers, and experiences while attempting to quit. Data gathered this summer would enable the researchers to make a thorough assessment for a culturally appropriate intervention with greater understanding of the values, beliefs, and attitudes that directly or indirectly relate to smoking behaviors and lifestyle changes. Results from this study will be disseminated through community presentations and used to develop a culturally informed smoking cessation program for Native Hawaiians.

Learning Objectives:

• Discuss the purpose of this study to developing an effective and informed smoking cessation program
• Describe four lessons learned about conducting focus groups to guide the development of a smoking intervention study

Keywords: Hawaiian Natives, Smoking Cessation

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.