The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #59937

Arnab Mukherjea, MPH, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, 2640 Dwight Way #102, Berkeley, CA 94704, 510-647-3455, amukherjea@alum.calberkeley.org, Susan L. Ivey, MD, MHSA, Center for Family and Community Health, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, 140 Warren Hall, UC-Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720-7360, and Joel M. Moskowitz, PhD, Center for Family and Community Health, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, 140 Warren Hall, Berkeley, CA 94704-7360.

Objective: To examine tobacco use patterns and attitudes toward culturally-specific tobacco products among South Asians in California. Setting: Few data describe the prevalence of tobacco use and tobacco-related diseases (TRD) in the rapidly growing South Asian population in the United States. South Asians in other countries report high prevalence of TRD. This project examined risk factors for heart disease among South Asians in California, with survey findings leading to further community-based research on tobacco usage patterns across gender, generational status, and South Asian region of origin. Methods: Based on earlier focus groups that found low tobacco risk awareness, a surname-based survey was conducted with 304 South Asians located in three Northern California communities. A modified behavioral risk factor survey, including items on smoked and smokeless tobacco, was administered by phone and in person. Survey results and qualitative data will be presented. Results: Tobacco use differed by geography and gender. Although smoking rates were dramatically different by gender for cigarettes and bidis (p<.001), rates of usage of socially-sanctioned chewed products, such as paan and betelnut, were more similar (n.s). Rural/urban differences were also found (<.001). Conclusion: Tobacco use intervention among South Asians may reduce high rates of TRD. Use patterns are not captured by surveillance of smoked tobacco products alone. Supplemental tobacco items on behavioral risk surveys, along with contextual information, ensure better understanding of tobacco use and enhance intervention design. Further qualitative research is needed to better understand knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs regarding use of South Asian specific tobacco products.

Learning Objectives:

"By the end of the session, the audience will be able to:
• Understand the scope of tobacco products used in South Asian communities in California.
• Recognize differences in patterns of tobacco use among South Asians by gender, origin, and generational status.
• Use contextual qualitative methods to improve survey design and intervention planning for diverse communities.

Keywords: Asian and Pacific Islander, Tobacco

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
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.