Preferences for Smoking Cessation Methods among Cambodian Americans

This study examined smoking cessation methods used by Cambodian Americans who were current smokers. The participants resided in Long Beach, California, home to the largest community of Cambodians outside Cambodia. Because this population has a high prevalence of smoking, e.g., 24.4% among men, culturally appropriate smoking cessation programs are needed to address the issue of smoking. In this research, a stratified random sample of 1,414 respondents was obtained from census tracts with high concentrations of Cambodian Americans. A cross-sectional survey collected data on demographic characteristics and smoking cessation methods attempted. Respondents were asked to indicate which of various smoking cessation method(s) they had attempted during the past 12 months; more than one smoking cessation method could be selected. Among the possible methods was “cutting down to quit,” e.g., “going cold turkey.” The cessation method used most frequently was obtaining help or support from family and friends (35.0%). In addition, a total of 16.9% of respondents used books, pamphlets, and other materials as cessation methods; 15.3% attended a stop-smoking clinic, class, or a cessation support group. Among current smokers who tried cut down to quit methods, 56.3% of respondents indicated that they attempted to stop smoking by reducing the number of cigarettes smoked. A total of 44.8% tried to quit smoking by giving up cigarettes all at once—the cold turkey method. The present study highlights the need to take into account respondents' preferred smoking cessation methods when public health workers plan cessation programs for this population.