Robert H. Friis, PhD¹, Mohammed Forouzesh, MPH, PhD², Him S. Chhim, MS, MPA³, and Sheetal Monga, MS¹. (1) Health Science Department, California State University, Long Beach, 1250 Bellflower Blvd., Long Beach, CA 90840, 562.985.1537, rfriis@csulb.edu, (2) California State University at Long Beach, Health Sciences Department, 1250 Bellflower Boulevard, Long Beach, CA 90840-0006, (3) Executive Director, Cambodian Association of America, 2390 Pacific Avenue, Long Beach, CA 90806

This project examined cigarette smoking patterns among the Cambodian population in the Southern California city of Long Beach. Although smoking prevalence is high among this population in comparison to other ethnic and racial groups, little research has examined tobacco use among the Cambodian immigrant population in the United States. In this pilot study, we selected a convenience sample (n~120 subjects) who participated in focus group and questionnaire interviews. Volunteer respondents were selected from participants in health and social services programs offered by the Cambodian Association of America. The present research reports on demographic characteristics of smokers and non-smokers. The former were categorized as current smokers, previous smokers, and addicted smokers. Regarding demographic characteristics, respondents were approximately equally divided between males and females as well as across three age classifications: younger than 29 years of age, 30 to 49, and 50 and older. The ratio of non-married to married respondents was about two to one. Finally, about four-fifths of the subjects were foreign-born. With respect to smoking, about one-third of the sample consisted of both addicted and current smokers. Male gender was statistically significantly related to status as a current smoker and as an addicted smoker; the male to female ratio for both variables was five to one. This presentation discusses the results for the relationship between demographic variables and smoking behavior and discusses implications for targeting smoking cessation and prevention programs among the Cambodian population.

Learning Objectives:

• Describe current tobacco use within the Cambodian community of Long Beach.
• Discuss gender roles and tobacco use in the Cambodian population.
• Identify smoking prevention and cessation strategies for the target population.

Keywords: Tobacco, Asian Americans

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.