Learning Objectives: Assess reported smoking prevalence in a more detailed way, realizing that general ethnic classifications may need refinement
Abstract: Objective. The present study examined the effects of acculturation, family functioning, and self-image on smoking behaviors among Asian-American youth as well as similarities and differences in smoking behaviors among four subgroups and between genders. This report will inform studies of smoking prevalence, especially with respect to Asian-Americans. The differences we found among subgroups may be relevant to other overarching ethnic categorizations as well.
Methods. 1167 students in 8th and 9th grade (mean age=14 years; 48.6% female) were recruited from three school districts in Los Angeles County, including 322 Chinese-Americans, 273 Filipino-Americans, 197 Korean-Americans, 269 Vietnamese-Americans, and 106 other Asian-Americans. Participants completed a self-report questionnaire including smoking behaviors and instruments measuring self-image, acculturation, and family functioning.
Results. Two-thirds of the sample reported never having smoked, while 9.1% were current smokers. There were no significant gender differences. Smoking patterns varied significantly across the subgroups. For Filipino-Americans and Vietnamese-Americans, those who had low acculturation, low family functioning, and low self-image were more likely to smoke. For Chinese-Americans, who reported the lowest smoking rates, and for Korean-Americans, who reported the highest rates, acculturation, family functioning, and self-image did not predict smoking.
Discussion. High acculturation, family functioning, and self-image may be protective factors. A more dramatic effect of acculturation is that compared to their counterparts in Asia, fewer males smoke but more females smoke. There are differences in smoking patterns across the four subgroups. This complexity should be taken into account in tailoring anti-tobacco prevention programs.
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