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

Abstract #73021

Clarence Spigner, DrPH, MPH, Department of Health Services, University of Washington, Box 357660, H-662 Health Science Building, Seattle, WA 98195, Alison Lynne shigaki, MD, Patient Care, International Community Health Services, 7116 Martin Luther King Jr. Way South, Seattle, WA 98118, (206) 461-4948 ext. 3306, alishigaki@sprynet.com, and S.P. Tu, MD, Harborview Medical Center, 325 Ninth Avenue, Seattle, WA 98104.

Previous research has demonstrated high rates of tobacco use among Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) men. However, little is known about tobacco-related behavior among ethnic-specific groups of AAPI. Utilizing the Social Learning Theory (SLT) as a conceptual framework, our study objectives were to examine the determinants of tobacco-related behaviors among Chinese and Vietnamese men in Seattle, Washington and to develop a preliminary step for a more a quantitative study. Methods: 6 focus groups were conducted on 30 Chinese and Vietnamese men utilizing questions that focused on behavioral determinants. Participants were current or former smokers, between 20-65 years of age. The focus groups were led by a trained moderator, conducted in Cantonese, Mandarin, and Vietnamese and were audio taped. The tapes were transcribed and translated into English. Qualitative data software (QSR NUD*IST) was used to organize and code participants’ responses into SLT categories. Findings: Themes have emerged within each of the SLT categories suggesting “sociability” and “work related” factors to be prime Predisposing factors associated with cigarette smoking among both Chinese and Vietnamese men. Enabling factors were associated with “time- of-day”,” meals”, and “tea” drinking while “addiction” was a major Reinforcing factor. Additional behavioral determinants unique to each ethnic group were “male bonding,” “stress”, “loneliness” associated with immigration, and the weather. Conclusion: The findings suggest that specific ethnic groups experience a unique set of tobacco behavioral determinants. Further quantitative research, involving a larger pool of participants are needed to develop effective cessation program tailoring to each ethnic group.

Learning Objectives:

• List examples of how qualitative research techniques can produce meaningful outcome data to help inform subsequent quantitative studies

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.