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

Abstract #103425

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, 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, Cecily Knauer, PhD (c), Research Assistant, Center for Asian Health, Temple University, 1415, North Broad Street, Suite 116, Philadelphia, PA 19122, Jamil Toubbeh, PhD, Adjunct Professor, Department of Public Health, Senior Researcher, Center for Asian Health, Temple University, 304A Vivacqua Hall, PO Box 2843, Philadelphia, PA 19122, and Jung Sook Choi, PhD, Korean Health Educator/Tobacco Counselor, Center for Asian Health, 800 Cottman Avenue, B- 455, Philadelphia, PA 19111.

Problem/Objective: Underserved and new immigrant populations in the US are currently suffering disproportionately from tobacco related health problems. Research on Asian Americans attests to high smoking rates among Korean Americans (45.9% ever-smoking rate; 26.8% current smoking rate) (Ma et al., 2002). This study aims to assess the feasibility of a culturally tailored Korean QUIT smoking cessation program (n=84) that combines intensive motivational interviewing and Nicotine Replacement Therapy.

Methods: Study methodology employed a two-group quasi-experimental random assignment design, with pre-treatment assessment and longitudinal follow-ups (1-week, 1-month, 3-month and 6-month). Stages of Change model and Motivational Interviewing strategies were adopted and modified to correspond with study objectives. The intervention group received seven sessions in an individualized format, including self-help smoking cessation materials, behavioral counselor-led intensive motivational interview sessions, and Nicoderm CQ Patches. The control group received the same number of sessions, self-help general health materials, and Nicoderm CQ patches.

Results: Study outcomes highlight issues of tobacco use, cessation, risk perceptions, distress levels, and self-efficacy in quitting in addition to providing data on the acceptability and feasibility of the protocol for the Korean American population.

Conclusion: Results will be used to direct the design of future interventions. The demonstrated feasibility and effectiveness of the current study suggests large-scale dissemination of the intervention may contribute to a reduced prevalence of smoking and decrease in negative health outcomes in the target population.

Learning Objectives:

• Upon the conclusion of the session, observers will be familiar with the design of a smoking cessation intervention that is successful within a population of Korean American smokers and will be aware of the specific cessation challenges faced by this population.

Keywords: Asian Americans, Smoking Cessation

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.