Sociocultural Perceptions and Patterns of Cigarette and Alcohol Use among College Students in Vietnam

Abstract

This empirical study was conducted in the Socialist Republic of Vietnam to investigate crosssectionally the influences of sociocultural contexts on the patterns of addictive substance use cigarette, alcohol, and illicit drugs. A sample of 202 monolingual adults who were enrolled in college courses at the University of Hanoi in Vietnam responded to a self-reported questionnaire in their native language on the frequency, quantity, and occasions of addictive behavior. The project staff were fluent in English and Vietnamese. The questionnaire was critically reviewed for its face validity and cultural appropriateness before being translated into Vietnamese. In addition to patterns of use, this research explored the central role of drinking alcohol and smoking cigarettes in peer socialization among college adults. Vietnam, like other Asian cultures, emphasizes initiation and conformity to social traditions and norms. The empirical findings provide invaluable knowledge of the complex roles of cigarette and alcohol in the social processes and relationship-building among college adults in Vietnam. Further knowledge will assist in identifying intervention approaches and health prevention that is more focused and congruent with cultural and social beliefs about this behavior and these substances. Its implications for research into culturally appropriate intervention and prevention are also discussed.

Smoking behavior of adolescents and their view towards government's ban on smoking in public places in Kathmandu

“…30 Central role of cigarette smoking and alcohol use was found in the peer socialization and relationship building among college students in Vietnam as well. 31 In China, the major reasons behind smoking were belief that one looks elegant while smoking and trying to be fashionable. 32 This type of view was reflected among students in our study also.…”

Knowledge and Determinants of Health Consequences of Cigarette Smoking Among Vietnamese Adults, 2015

“…Previous studies showed that the culture of smoking among Vietnamese adults seems dominated by males. 35,36 We may see that the Confucian code may have a strong influence on male behaviors in the society, resulting in high smoking rates in males than females. 37 According to the WHO, in 2010, prevalence of smoking among male in Vietnam was especially high at 47.4%.…”