Assessing beliefs and risk perceptions on smoking and smoking cessation in immigrant Chinese adult smokers residing in Vancouver, Canada: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

ObjectivesWe aimed to conduct culturally-based participatory research to assess cultural and belief contexts for smoking behaviours within Mandarin and Cantonese communities. Outcome variables were smoking-related knowledge, smoking patterns, attitudes and beliefs, and perceived barriers and facilitators to successful cessation.DesignA community-based approach was applied involving smokers, community key-informants and professionals in study design and implementation. Initially, focus groups were conducted and findings were used to develop study instrument. Participants responded once to study questionnaire after informed consent.SettingCommunity based in the Greater Vancouver Area, Canada.Participants16 Chinese smokers participated in focus groups and subsequently, 167 current Chinese immigrant (137 males and 30 females) smokers from Mandarin and Cantonese communities, recruited with the help of community agencies and collaborating physicians, were enrolled in a cross-sectional study.ResultsWe found that a majority believed smoking was harmful on their health. Younger smokers (<35 years of age) did not mind smoking in front of young children compared to older smokers (≥35 years of age) (p<0.001). People with high school or lower levels of education believed that they would benefit more from smoking than suffering from withdrawal symptoms compared to better educated smokers (p<0.05). Mandarin smokers were significantly more likely to encourage others to quit than Cantonese smokers (p<0.05). Many indicated not receiving adequate support from care providers and lack of access to culturally and linguistically appropriate cessation programmes impacted on their ability to quit smoking.ConclusionsOur study highlighted the importance of tobacco beliefs and perceptions among Mandarin and Cantonese speaking immigrants with limited access to healthcare information and for younger smokers whose attention to health consequences of smoking may be limited as well. Study participants were generally aware of the health risks and were willing to quit. Access to appropriate cessation programmes would fulfil their willingness.

Perceptions of smoking cessation among Glasgow's Chinese community

“…In this study, most married participants indicated that the concern for relatives was an important quit motivator on moving to Glasgow. Chinese immigrants in the UK were more aware of, and sensitive to, the risks of second-hand smoke than when in China 39 . The impact of smoking on offspring was cited here as a quit trigger, and 40 .…”

“…The level of acculturation may be an issue for cessation-programme planners to consider, as will be the use of the workplace setting to promote cessation, particularly where the workforce is largely composed of Chinese immigrants. The social role of cigarette smoking among Chinese people reflects wellestablished social norms 39,45 , and social factors were influential here in triggering relapse in participants while in the UK.…”

Black and minority ethnic group involvement in health and social care research: A systematic review

“…Eleven study populations focused on African Americans, five studies on Aboriginal groups, four on Chinese, three on South Asians, two on Native Hawaiian, five on Latinos, two on Korean Americans, one each on Zuni Indians, Somalis, Afghan, Native Americans, Alaska Natives, Inuit, indigenous groups, First Nations, Hispanics, Vietnamese Americans, various groups (Somalian, Eritrean, Pakistani, Iranian, Iraqi, Chinese and Sri Lankan), Burmese and African Americans and Hispanics . Thirty‐three studies were undertaken in the USA, seven in Canada, two each in UK and Australia and one in New Zealand …”

“…Six studies employed a mixed‐methods design with both quantitative and qualitative elements, and twelve studies included a quantitative design with five randomized controlled trials, one pilot survey, repeated measures, cross‐sectional, quasi‐experimental, population‐based survey, intervention design and retrospective design . Fourteen studies utilized qualitative methods of data collection, one was an ethnography and two utilized a case study design .…”

“…A range of health conditions were identified: one study on alcohol abuse and sobriety, brain injury, chronic disease prevention, cardiovascular disease, cardiovascular disease and diabetes, depression, diet, obesity and psychological factors related to nutrition for cancer, obesity (weight loss), elder mistreatment, general health, eating, physical activity and sleep, general health, pregnancy and infant care, pre‐term birth, oral health, reducing health disparities, reproductive health, smoking cessation, tuberculosis, hepatitis B and cancer . The remaining included diabetes, health promotion, HIV, mental health and hypertension …”