Household Smoking Policies among Cambodians in Long Beach, California

This research assessed household policies regarding indoor smoking among Cambodian Americans who reside in Long Beach, California, where the largest population of Cambodians in the U.S. is located. Exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) is known to cause disease and premature death among non-smokers and children. Household exposure to ETS is hypothesized to occur frequently among Cambodian Americans--a high smoking prevalence population. Preliminary studies have demonstrated that approximately one-half of Cambodian Americans (men and women combined) smoke. At present, little information is available regarding the extent to which Cambodian Americans participate in personal smoke-free household policies and whether these policies are effective in reducing the amount of exposure to ETS. Direct interviews (n = 2,000) were conducted in either English or Khmer to determine the presence and characteristics of household smoking bans as well as correlates of ETS exposure at home. Survey questions assessed whether smoking was: (1) allowed inside the home; (2) allowed but limited to specific rooms; and (3) allowed but restricted when children were present. In addition, sociodemographic and cultural factors that influence household smoking policies were examined. This study suggested culturally appropriate strategies for reducing ETS exposure among Cambodian Americans.