Manoj Sharma, PhD, School of HPER, University of Nebraska at Omaha & Walden University, 6001 Dodge Street, Omaha, NE 68182-0216, 402-554-3245, msharma@mail.unomaha.edu and Richard Stacy, EdD, School of HPER, University of Nebraska at Omaha, 6001 Dodge Street, Omaha, NE 68182-0216.

Asian Americans in the US bear disproportionate burden of tobacco, which is particularly marked among the youth. National Youth Tobacco Survey 2000 data found that in the last year of high school, one third of Asian American youth were smokers which is much greater compared to other ethnic groups. Recent published reviews of tobacco industry documents have also revealed evidence of aggressive marketing efforts geared toward Asian Americans since 1980s. Most of the epidemiological studies within this subgroup have dealt with personal determinants of tobacco use among youth. Almost none have focused on identifying determinants of participation of Asians in tobacco prevention efforts for their children/youth. The present study was aimed at assessing attitudes pertaining to participation in tobacco prevention efforts among Asian Americans in Omaha, Nebraska. A questionnaire with twenty-five items was developed and validated for face and content validity in a two round process by two university professors and two tobacco prevention specialists from a local health center. Respondents of Japanese, Korean, Chinese, Vietnamese, Nepalese, and Thai national origins completed the questionnaire. Only 2 percent of the respondents mentioned participation in tobacco prevention efforts while more than two-thirds expressed interest in doing so indicative of a big gap in outreach that needs bridging. Awareness about the influence of tobacco advertisements and placement of tobacco products in stores was found to be high. However, deficits in awareness about secondhand smoke and parental responsibility were found as potential needs for future educational efforts.

Learning Objectives: At the end of this presentation the participants will be able to

• Identify the reasons for disproportionate burden of tobacco in Asian Americans.
• Describe the importance of participation of Asian Americans in tobacco prevention efforts in their children/youth.
• Discuss the process of assessing attitudes pertaining to participation in tobacco prevention efforts by Asian Americans.
• Discuss the educational and programmatic implications for tobacco prevention efforts in Asian Americans.

Keywords: Needs Assessment, Tobacco

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: The needs assessment was done as part of a paid consultancy assignment to the authors.

Handout (.ppt format, 139.5 kb)