Assessing factors influencing smoking and smoking cessation within Chinese communities in the Greater Vancouver Area: A qualitative exploratory study

Abstract

INTRODUCTION The prevalence of smoking is high within Chinese-Canadian communities and there is a lack of culturally and linguistically appropriate smoking cessation resources and services. We aimed to ascertain factors affecting smoking and smoking cessation from the perspectives of current smokers and key informants. METHODS As part of a multistage mixed-methods study taking place from January 2013 to June 2014, a qualitative exploratory study design was conducted applying a community-based participatory research approach. Focus groups and interviews were conducted with adult (aged ≥19 years) Chinese-Canadian current smokers (≥5 cigarettes per day for the past 30 days) and interviews were held with key informants in Vancouver, Canada. A constant comparison method was applied to code data, and an inductive approach was used to identify emergent themes. RESULTS In all, 35 smokers from the target communities (11 female, 24 male) participated in 4 focus group sessions and 17 key informants (14 female, 3 male) were individually interviewed. Internal and external factors influencing smoking onset, continuation, and cessation from the perspectives of smokers and key informants were identified. Male smokers thought that the most influential factor influencing smoking initiation was social pressure, while female smokers thought that it was stress. Female smokers reported refraining from seeking cessation assistance due to a perceived negative image of female smokers within the community. Both key informants and participants indicated that involving friends and family in the quitting process may help to motivate smokers. CONCLUSIONS Smokers from Chinese-Canadian communities may benefit from linguistically appropriate and culturally relevant smoking cessation interventions that consider prevailing attitudes, perceptions, and beliefs. The knowledge gained may inform the development of future smoking cessation programs and resources for the target community, while our approach may be applicable to other ethnocultural or immigrant communities.

Prevalence of Cigarettes and Waterpipe Smoking among Jordanians, Refugees, and Migrants in Jordan and Its Associated Factors: A Secondary Data Analysis

“…Various factors have been found to affect smoking status, including age, socioeconomic status, level of education, peer smoking, the attitudes of family and friends, lifestyle, stress, self-esteem, and health concerns [13][14][15][16][17]. A survey study among 3658 adults in five countries, including China, Jordan, India, Taiwan, and Saudi Arabia, showed that males, adults older than 25 years, and those working in the medical field were more likely to smoke [16].…”

Smoking cessation strategies for women: An analysis of smoking cessation determinants among Korean female smokers participating in a smoking cessation outreach program

“…Third, our findings cannot be generalized because factors associated with quit rate differ across social, cultural, and economic environments. 34 Nevertheless, our study is significant because it focused on smoking cessation in a large number of Asian female smokers while most smoking cessation research literature has focused on non-Asian smokers. Further studies are needed to investigate the connection between female smokers’ mental health and smoking cessation alongside biological verification, and to increase initial counseling sessions for them to promote quit rate.…”

A risk perception model to promote smoking cessation among adult current smokers: Application of a community-based smoking cessation intervention

“…Communication barriers and style, social aspects of smoking, related beliefs, and values corresponding to Mandarin and Cantonese cultural practices were also considered. More details of the educational materials development can be found in a previous publication 21 . As part of the educational program, participants also completed a triggers and withdrawal symptoms checklist to help monitor their progress throughout the program intervention.…”