Learning Objectives: Describe involuntary exposure to, knowledge, beliefs, and tolerance of secondhand smoke among Asian Americans, and the differences by ethnic groups, gender, education, and smoking status.
Abstract:
Problem/Objective: This study seeks to measure beliefs and tolerance of secondhand smoke and its relationship among Asian Americans in the Delaware Valley region.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 1174 Asian Americans including Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese and Cambodians. The sample was selected by using a stratified-cluster proportional sampling technique. Study measures included demographic variables, smoking status, exposure to, knowledge, attitudes and behavior regarding secondhand smoke. Data were analyzed using SPSS.
Results: Involuntary exposure to secondhand smoke remains a common public health hazard among Asian Americans (38.3% at home and 40.3% in the workplace). Knowledge and tolerance differed significantly by ethnic groups, gender, education, and smoking status, with Chinese, women, those with graduate degrees, nonsmokers, and former smokers having higher knowledge level and less tolerance. When controlling for gender, age, education, and smoking status, ethnic group differences remained. The knowledge level showed a significant effect on tolerance. All observed group differences are maintained after controlling for knowledge.
Conclusions: The findings indicate an urgent need for a smoke-free policy at home, in the work place, and in public areas. Tobacco prevention/intervention and cessation programs for Asian Americans should emphasize the adverse health effects of secondhand smoke and promote smoke-free environment at home. Studies are needed to explore the unexplained differences in secondhand smoke across ethnic groups.
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