Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #103411

Grace X. Ma, PhD, Associate Professor of Public Health, Department of Public Health, Director of Center for Asian Health, Temple University, 304A Vivacqua Hall, P.O. Box 2843, Philadelphia, PA 19122-0843, 215-204-5108, grace.ma@temple.edu, Yajia Lan, M D, Ph D, Professor, Huaxi School of Public Health, Sichuan University, 17, 3rd Section, South Renmin Road, Chengdu, 610044, China, Chengkai Zhai, PhD, Dean, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Dingjiaqiao Road 87, Nanjing, 210009, China, Yin Tan, MD, MPH, Project Manager and Research Associate, Center for Asian Health, Department of Public Health, Temple University, 304A Vivacqua Hall, P.O. Box 2843, Philadelphia, PA 19122-0843, Steve Shive, PhD, MPH, Research Associate of Center for Asian Health, Department of Public Health, Assistant Professor of Community Health, East Stroudsburg University, 200 Prospect St., East Stroudsburg, PA 18301-2999, and Cecily Knauer, PhD (c), Research Assistant, Center for Asian Health, Temple University, 1415, North Broad Street, Suite 116, Philadelphia, PA 19122.

Problem/Objective: China is home to more than 300 million smokers; about 67% of men smoke and 4% of women smoke (WHO, 2002). Research shows that the average number of cigarettes smoked per day among Chinese men is positively correlated with the percentage of their lifetime spent in the US (CDC, 2003). Few research efforts have attempted to determine the social influences of smoking among Chinese adults. Factors influencing the smoking habits of Chinese living in China and in the US are diverse; they are related to family dynamics, cultural values, and social expectations. Elucidating specific factors that support smoking behaviors of Chinese in each country is the first step in a sincere effort to reduce smoking rates among Chinese people.

Methods: A comparative cross-sectional design was used for this study. A stratified-cluster sampling technique was used to identify the study sample. A questionnaire, developed in English and translated into Chinese was provided to study participants. 1220 participants completed the questionnaire, 812 in China and 408 in the US. Data was analyzed through descriptive and inferential statistical tests.

Results: Study results contain comparison data on the social influences for smoking among Chinese people. Factors influencing smoking behavior include media impact, cultural beliefs, gender roles, and family relationship dynamics.

Conclusion: Extensive findings on the factors that influence smoking behavior among Chinese in the US and China suggest similarities and differences in the social influences of smoking. Knowledge of such factors provides a basis for the development of cross-national smoking cessation interventions.

Learning Objectives:

• At the close of the session, learners will recognize the specific social influences that impact cigarette smoking among Chinese in China and in the US.

Keywords: Special Populations, Asian Americans

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.