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

Abstract #103686

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, Rosita L. Edwards, Community Coordinator of Center for Asian Health, Department of Public Health, Temple University, 304A Vivacqua Hall, P.O. Box 2843, Philadelphia, PA 19122, 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, and Chris Keo, BA, Youth Educator, SEAMAAC, Center for Asian Health, 2540, South 6th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19148.

Problem/Objective: Asian youth smoking rates range between 14% and 28% and are increasing. While research on smoking behavior of Asian Americans in general is limited, research on that of Asian youth falls far short of that on mainstream youth. This anti-smoking video addresses an urgent need in Asian communities. This need is underscored by the fact that the large majority of Asian Americans is comprised of recent immigrants who originate in countries that condone smoking. Tobacco control programs in these communities are essential if national health objectives are to be met. Methods: A 20-minute video, based on an Asian youth anti-smoking play, was produced by Center for Asian Health, Temple University in collaboration with Asian community organizations. The development of the video involved cooperation between playwright, script writers, staff of Center for Asian Health, Asian adolescents, a professional producer, Asian health professionals and lay community. The video was shot in an Asian home, in a section of Philadelphia, and at a health facility. Asian families provided props, including authentic Southeast Asian food. Results: Video was viewed and evaluated by 500 Asian youth in G6-G12. Evaluation focused on content, language, characterizations, and relevance to smoking and smoking behavior. Results of data analysis and barriers in the production process will be discussed. Conclusion: Tobacco control is an issue of concern to public health officials and to Asian communities. Dramatization of the adverse consequences of smoking appear to be an effective and culturally appropriate method of reaching young would-be smokers and smokers.

Learning Objectives:

• Upon conclusion of session, participants will learn about the process of involving community members in various aspects of video production, in generating community-wide interest in the subject of the video and barriers and facilitators in the production process.

Keywords: Community-Based Public Health, School Health

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.