Tobacco Control
Volume 11, Issue SUPPL.2, 2002, Pages II34-II37

Smoking behaviours and attitudes among male restaurant workers in Boston's Chinatown: A pilot study (Article)

Averbach A.R.* , Lam D. , Lam L.-P. , Sharfstein J. , Cohen B. , Koh H.
  • a HIV/AIDS Bureau, Massachusetts Department of Public Health, 250 Washington Street, Boston, MA 02108-4619, United States
  • b South Cove Community Health Center, Boston, MA, United States
  • c South Cove Community Health Center, Boston, MA, United States
  • d Boston University, School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States
  • e HIV/AIDS Bureau, Massachusetts Department of Public Health, 250 Washington Street, Boston, MA 02108-4619, United States
  • f HIV/AIDS Bureau, Massachusetts Department of Public Health, 250 Washington Street, Boston, MA 02108-4619, United States

Abstract

Objective: Asian American immigrants experience high rates of cigarette smoking. A community based survey was conducted to understand the smoking behaviours, knowledge, and attitudes of restaurant workers in Boston's Chinatown. Design: Cross sectional survey in Chinese of a convenience sample of 54 restaurant workers recruited through extensive outreach activities. Results: All 54 of the workers were male immigrants. 45 (83.3%) reported smoking cigarettes regularly, and the remaining nine were former smokers. 36 of the smokers (80.0%) started smoking before entering the USA. The workers were aware that cigarettes are addictive (98.1%), cause lung cancer (79.6%), and lead to heart disease (64.8%). However, a substantial number reported that smoking was relaxing (75.9%) and enhanced concentration (66.7%). Nearly half believed low tar and low nicotine cigarettes to be safer than standard brands. The vast majority of workers believed that smoking was not socially acceptable for women. Smokers reported they received information on quitting most commonly from friends (60%), newspapers (53.5%), and television (44.4%). The restaurant workers most often saw advertising against smoking in Chinese newspapers (63%). Conclusion: Despite high rates of smoking, Chinese American restaurant workers were generally aware of the health risks and were interested in quirting. Community based research can set the stage for targeted public health efforts to reduce smoking in immigrant communities.

Author Keywords

[No Keywords available]

Index Keywords

[No Keywords available]
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-0842273404&partnerID=40&md5=9ffc9dceb2eaee711f8c3fcac0869938
ISSN: 09644563
Cited by: 18
Original Language: English