Introduction Despite the high burden of tobacco-related diseases experienced by Samoans and Tongans, there is relatively little understanding of the factors that influence their smoking behaviors which could inform effective smoking cessation strategies. This study examined several psychosocial characteristics that intertwine to predict smoking patterns in these Pacific Islander subgroups. Methods Samoans and Tongans between the ages of 18 and 33, who consumed at least 100 cigarettes in their lifetime and were current smokers, were categorized as light, moderate, or heavy smokers. Baseline data from a randomized controlled smoking cessation trial were analyzed. Participants ( n = 278) were measured on self-efficacy, perceived stress, sensation seeking, hostility, depression, and impulsivity. Least square means estimated from General Linear Models were used to compare psychosocial characteristics across smoking groups, as well as by gender and ethnicity. Results Samoan male heavy smokers reported higher levels of self-efficacy compared to light smokers, and greater stress, hostility, depression, and urgency over moderate smokers. Samoan female heavy smokers demonstrated greater stress and hostility than moderate and light smokers. Tongan female heavy and light smokers had significantly elevated levels of sensation seeking compared to moderate smokers. Tongan male smokers did not display any meaningful associations with these psychosocial constructs. Conclusions This study underscores the important distinctions between smoking patterns, gender, and ethnic subgroups. Interventions that rely on aggregated smoking profiles or general Pacific Islander data may not adequately address the complex array of mental health factors that contribute to tobacco use.

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BackgroundRecent prevalence data indicates that Pacific Islanders living in the United States have disproportionately high smoking rates when compared to the general populace. However, little is known about the factors contributing to tobacco use in this at-risk population. Moreover, few studies have attempted to determine these factors utilizing technology-based assessment techniques.ObjectiveThe objective was to develop a customized Internet-based Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA) system capable of measuring cigarette use among Pacific Islanders in Southern California. This system integrated the ubiquity of text messaging, the ease of use associated with mobile phone apps, the enhanced functionality offered by Internet-based Cell phone-optimized Assessment Techniques (ICAT), and the high survey completion rates exhibited by EMA studies that used electronic diaries. These features were tested in a feasibility study designed to assess whether Pacific Islanders would respond to this method of measurement and whether the data gathered would lead to novel insights regarding the intrapersonal, social, and ecological factors associated with cigarette use.Methods20 young adult smokers in Southern California who self-identified as Pacific Islanders were recruited by 5 community-based organizations to take part in a 7-day EMA study. Participants selected six consecutive two-hour time blocks per day during which they would be willing to receive a text message linking them to an online survey formatted for Web-enabled mobile phones. Both automated reminders and community coaches were used to facilitate survey completion.Results720 surveys were completed from 840 survey time blocks, representing a completion rate of 86%. After adjusting for gender, age, and nicotine dependence, feeling happy (P=<.001) or wanting a cigarette while drinking alcohol (P=<.001) were positively associated with cigarette use. Being at home (P=.02) or being around people who are not smoking (P=.01) were negatively associated with cigarette use.ConclusionsThe results of the feasibility study indicate that customized systems can be used to conduct technology-based assessments of tobacco use among Pacific Islanders. Such systems can foster high levels of survey completion and may lead to novel insights for future research and interventions.

The older adult population will continue to grow at an alarming rate and will comprise 21% of the population by the year 2030. Older Pacific Islanders (PIs) will experience a similar growth trajectory. By 2030, older PIs will account for 13.2% of the PI population, a two-fold increase from the 6.5% reported in 2010. Therefore, the overall well-being of older adults is a critical part of public health. Healthy aging is an approach that focuses on the strengths of older adults by reinforcing methods that improve or enhance intrinsic capacities and functional abilities of older adults, while minimizing the limitations, vulnerabilities, and losses. Resilience is a main contributor to healthy aging, yet research on the topic is emerging with noticeable gaps. In response, a pilot research project with older PIs residing in Southern California was conducted. The study goal was to investigate certain intrapersonal, social, cultural, and environmental factors that improve or hinder resilience. Based on this goal, the three main areas of study are: first, the impact sleep has on the relationship between resilience and self-reported health (SRH); second, an exploration of the ethno-cultural PI narrative of resilience and adaptation to adverse events among higher and lower resilient older adults; and third, an investigation into the effects social capital domains have on resilience. Results suggest that individual (sleep duration), intrapersonal (social support and religion), and community (neighborhood social cohesion and community engagement) level factors can affect resilience. Sleep duration had a small to moderate effect (R2 Change=.122) on the relationship between resilience and SRH (β = -0.012, t(9,23) = -2.27, p=.033). For older adults with short sleep duration, resilience was a positive influence on SRH but not among participants with long sleep. Social support from family and friends and religion were relied upon most frequently by the study population while dealing with adversity (80.0% and 74.3%, respectively), compared with 17.1% who tried to resolve the challenge on their own. Higher and lower resilient older PIs did not significantly differ on the methods employed to adapt to an adverse event. Neighborhood social cohesion was positively related to resilience (β=0.36, SE=0.14, p=.018) and explained 16.7% (Adj. R2 = .167) of the variance. Greater community engagement was also significantly associated with higher levels of resilience, but only when accounting for age and gender. Accordingly, public health professionals and other allied health care practitioners should incorporate a multilevel approach when designing initiatives to develop resilience among older PIs.