Addressing the use of culturally-specific tobacco products: A case of the use of Waterpipe and South Asian tobacco products

Problem:

Very little research has been done on the use of waterpipes and South Asian tobacco products in the U.S. Some initial surveys indicate that young adults in the U.S. are using waterpipes in high rates. Similarly, one survey in the Southern California South Asian community concluded that 34 percent of male residents and 21 percent of female residents currently use South Asian tobacco products such as zarda, paan masala, paan parag, etc. The following are the key challenges in implementing evidence-based prevention and cessation programs to address the use of these culturally-specific tobacco products:

- Lack of knowledge about the health effects of these products - Culturally entrenched use - Lack of appropriate regulatory frameworks - Not adequately addressed by the existing tobacco control programs - Lack of access to appropriate and culturally-tailored cessation services

More detailed study of large national sample of the users of these products is needed to better understand smoking behaviors of users of these products. There are, however, examples of projects that have examined this issue via community-based pilot interventions in specific immigrant populations.

Solutions:

• Acquiring accurate, detailed knowledge about the attitudes, beliefs, and cultural norms that underlie the use of these products • Improving the capacity of community-based organizations • Grass-roots public awareness campaign on the harmful effects of these products • Involving businesses (restaurants, hookah bars, ethnic stores) catering to the needs of specific immigrant communities

Examples of Projects:

South Asian Network, Artesia, CA Waterpipe Project, Lehigh Valley, PA