Learning Objectives: Describe smoking behaviors and acculturation status among a large subset of a rapidly growing, understudied and underserved Asian immigrant population.
Abstract: This study seeks to find the relationship between acculturation and smoking behavior among four Asian American ethnic-language subgroups (Koreans, Chinese, Vietnamese, and Cambodians), including newly arrived immigrant populations residing in the Delaware Valley region. A sample size of 1374 was determined by using a stratified-cluster proportional sampling technique. 1174 Asian Americans completed the survey with a response rate of 83%. Variables of self-identification of ethnic group and smoking status (former, current, or non-smoker) were included in the survey instrument. Acculturation level was assessed with measures of length of residency in the U.S., participation in cultural/traditional gathering, taking part in culture-related organizations or groups, frequency of speaking and reading native language, frequency of preparing and eating native/traditional food. Data were analyzed with SPSS 10.0. Overall, 29.6% of respondents reported they were current smokers and 40.1% as ever smokers. Ever and current smoking rates varied significantly by race, with Koreans and Southeast Asians more likely to be ever smokers, and Southeast Asians more likely to be currently smoking. Cigarette smoking behaviors of Asian immigrants were significantly correlated with acculturation status. Less acculturated respondents were at higher risk of smoking, while more acculturated were less likely to be ever and current smokers. Findings of three racial/ethnic groups also confirm this conclusion. This study suggests urgent needs, has significant implications for developing culturally sensitive, and linguistically appropriate tobacco prevention, intervention, and cessation programs for less acculturated, high-risk Asian immigrant populations.
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