Involuntary Tobacco Smoking Exposure Among Korean American Emerging Adults: A Qualitative Study.

High smoking prevalence among Korean American (KA) males place KA family members and co-workers at an elevated risk of involuntary tobacco smoke exposure (ITSE). KA emerging adults (EAs) face an additional risk of ITSE by their peers, as emerging adulthood is associated with increased smoking. This paper explores health behaviors, attitudes and beliefs of ITSE among KAEA. Qualitative data analysis was conducted on transcripts from ten focus groups (N = 67). Themes related to attitudes and perceptions of ITSE were identified: high level of cultural tolerance, lack of knowledge/insufficient information, perceived benign health effects, and perceived hopelessness/indifference. Themes related to culturally-held beliefs include: tolerance of male family smokers, allowance of indoor smoking and misconceptions of practices perceived to minimize ITSE. The dissemination of culturally relevant ITSE information is needed in KA communities. Failure to implement indoor smoking bans in ethnic enclaves calls for increased enforcement of regulations by public health officials.

Place matters in perceived tobacco exposure among Korean American young adults: mixed methods approach.

A sequential mixed methods study was conducted to identify factors influencing perceived norms about smoking and to examine the association of acculturative contexts and normative beliefs among Korean American young adults (KAYA) who face increased risk of smoking. Content analysis of data from 67 participants in 10 focus groups in 2010 led to the development of an online survey in 2012 (N = 475). KAYA overestimated smoking prevalence, reporting Korean-owned businesses (KOB) as primary places of exposure. Our findings revealed that visits to KOB predicted perceived norms about smoking. Modifying perceptions about social norms and involuntary tobacco exposure may be critical in reducing smoking among KAYA. The study's limitations are noted.

Momentary negative moods and being with friends precede cigarette use among Korean American emerging adults.

INTRODUCTION: The objective of this study was to determine contextual antecedents to smoking among Korean American emerging adult (KAEA) smokers using ecological momentary assessment. Based on extant theory and data documenting the importance of negative affect (NA) and social context, we examined the extent to which being with friends and NA independently and concomitantly were associated with the likelihood of subsequent smoking, over and beyond other known situational correlates of smoking. METHODS: Twenty-two KAEA daily smokers recorded their smoking events in real time and participated in short surveys implemented on mobile phones for 7 days. Individual, interpersonal, and situational contexts immediately preceding and during smoking events were examined in comparison to nonsmoking events using a within-subject modeling approach. RESULTS: Both NA and being with friends independently were correlated with increased likelihood of smoking. We also found an interaction showing that the effects of NA on smoking were significant only in presence of friends. CONCLUSIONS: Unlike more established smokers, these younger smokers may be strongly influenced by peer contexts as well as unpleasant affect. The interaction between social contexts and NA highlights a potential window for intervention for the population of KAEA smokers.

Cigarettes, culture, and Korean American emerging adults: an exploratory qualitative study.

Korean American emerging adults (KAEA) constitute an understudied, at-risk group for smoking and related health consequences. The cultural meanings of smoking and cessation among KAEA were explored. Sixty-seven KAEA participated in 10 focus groups. Themes from the sessions were identified and domain analysis was conducted. Regarding reasons for smoking, we identified (a) association between the culture of origin and gender identification, (b) access/availability of cigarettes in homes/community, and (c) competing social environments where KAEA adjust their health behaviors. Regarding contexts for cessation, we identified (a) a sense of invincibility/denial, (b) lack of role models or pressure to quit, and (c) lack of significant life events. Using cessation aids represented lacking personal discipline/willpower. The results show that smoking among KAEA is highly contextualized in the culture of origin, despite U.S. tobacco control policies. Implications for culturally sensitive prevention/cessation programs for KAEA include modifying culturally based norms and social spaces regarding cigarettes and cessation.