Patterns of smoking, risk factors for smoking, and smoking cessation among Vietnamese men in Massachusetts (United States).

OBJECTIVES

To measure the prevalence and patterns of, and risk factors for, smoking and other tobacco use among Vietnamese men in Massachusetts (United States).

METHODS

Data were obtained via a telephone interview of 774 Vietnamese men in 1994.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional survey administered via telephone in 1994.

SETTING

Massachusetts, United States.

SUBJECTS

Randomly selected Vietnamese men (n = 774).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Present and past use of tobacco products, knowledge and attitudes regarding tobacco, and risk factors for tobacco use. Results were compared with data from the Massachusetts general population.

RESULTS

Vietnamese men smoked at a rate 1.9 times that of the Massachusetts general men's rate (43% vs 24%). The smoking rate did not decrease with increasing length of residence in the United States. In a logistic regression, risk factors for current smoking were: age in the thirties; history of parental smoking; lower educational level; higher depression score; low level of exercise; lack of health insurance; and geographical origin from the south coast of Vietnam. Smoking cessation declined with increasing depression score. Most smokers (76%) had no plans to quit smoking.

CONCLUSIONS

Vietnamese men smoke at much higher rates than the general population, and are much less likely to be planning cessation. High rates of depression and sociocultural barriers to smoking cessation must be addressed in efforts to reduce tobacco use among this high-risk population.