Previous research has examined the smoking behaviors of US- and foreign-born blacks. This study differed from preceding studies because a comparison of the smoking behavior of US- and foreign-born whites was made. Data from 1992 Cancer Epidemiology supplement and the Year 2000 Objectives supplement for 1993-95 of the National Health Interview Survey were analyzed using SUDAAN to assess smoking status (current, former, never smoked) for US- and foreign-born blacks and whites. Foreign-born blacks (11%) are significantly least likely to be current smokers than any of the other populations. US-born blacks (28%) are significantly most likely to be current smokers even though US-born whites have the smallest percentage of persons who have never smoked (47%). Fifty-five percent of foreign-born whites have never smoked and 23% are current smokers. Differences in smoking status by gender are observed. Males are significantly more likely to be current or former smokers than females of the same race and nativity. US-born black males are significantly more likely to be current smokers (33%) than foreign-born black males (18%). No differences are detected between the US- and foreign-born white male populations, but 25% of US-born white females are current smokers in contrast to 19% of foreign-born white females. Findings of differences between US- and foreign-born blacks support previous research on this topic. The heterogeneity found in smoking behaviors of US- and foreign-born blacks and whites suggests that analysis of health behaviors by race should take nativity into account.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant in this session will be able to: 1) Recognize the trends of smoking behavior for US- and foreign-born blacks and whites and 2) Identify the differences of smoking behavior between blacks and whites by nativity.
Keywords: Smoking, African American
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: National Center for Health Statistics' National Health Interview Survey
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.