Design of a Tobacco Use Prevalence Study for Cambodian Americans

This study assesses the prevalence and correlates of cigarette smoking and other forms of tobacco use among Cambodian Americans in Long Beach, California. Long Beach is home of the largest population of Cambodians in the United States. This population has not been studied widely with respect to health, especially tobacco consumption. Consequently existing information regarding health characteristics of this population tends to be unreliable. However, informal and small-scale studies suggest that the prevalence of smoking among persons of Cambodian heritage is high in comparison with other California and U.S. racial and ethnic groups. In fact, the prevalence of smoking among male Cambodians in the U.S. is reported to be similar to that of males in Cambodia (estimated to be 71%). For Cambodian American women smoking prevalence has been reported to be 20%, which is over three times the rate of smoking among women in Cambodia. Supported by funding from the University of California's Tobacco Related Disease Research Program, we are conducting a large-scale prevalence study of residents (n=2000) in the Cambodian district. Survey questions assess sociodemographic factors that may influence Cambodian Americans' decisions to smoke. Data will be collected through direct interviews in either English or Khmer. Collaboration with community organizations has been essential for establishing rapport with the population. Information gathered will elucidate cultural factors related to tobacco use and establish a framework for future smoking cessation interventions. This presentation describes the methods used in the study.