Cigarettes, Culture, and Korean American Emerging Adults

Abstract

Korean American emerging adults (KAEA) constitute an understudied, at-risk group for smoking and related health consequences. The cultural meanings of smoking and cessation among KAEA were explored. Sixty-seven KAEA participated in 10 focus groups. Themes from the sessions were identified and domain analysis was conducted. Regarding reasons for smoking, we identified (a) association between the culture of origin and gender identification, (b) access/availability of cigarettes in homes/community, and (c) competing social environments where KAEA adjust their health behaviors. Regarding contexts for cessation, we identified (a) a sense of invincibility/denial, (b) lack of role models or pressure to quit, and (c) lack of significant life events. Using cessation aids represented lacking personal discipline/willpower. The results show that smoking among KAEA is highly contextualized in the culture of origin, despite U.S. tobacco control policies. Implications for culturally sensitive prevention/cessation programs for KAEA include modifying culturally based norms and social spaces regarding cigarettes and cessation.

Correlates of Perceived Smoking Prevalence Among Korean American Emerging Adults

“…Moreover, individuals adopt norms and behaviors of others they perceive to share a social identity with, which may have implications for health behaviors (14). Given the prominence of cigarette smoking in Korean culture (15), it is likely that smoking is also ingrained in Korean and Korean American sociocultural identity. Further, studies have shown that group norms regarding health behaviors are associated with intentions to change only among individuals who highly identify with the reference group (16).…”

Involuntary Tobacco Smoking Exposure Among Korean American Emerging Adults: A Qualitative Study

“…In this study, we conducted a secondary qualitative analysis of transcripts from a focus group study which was developed as part of a larger cessation and environmental smoking disparity study among KAEA [12]. The topics covered in the original study included: reasons for smoking or not smoking, views about cessation and availability to cessation methods, perceived barriers and motivations to quit, views about ITSE, policies prohibiting ITSE, and specific habits to prevent ITSE.…”

“…Because smoking is deeply embedded in Korean culture [12], especially during business-related meetings and gatherings, owners of Korean establishments allow smoking to continue illegally so they do not lose business. Two participants reported that covering fire detectors with plastic objects is common practice when indoor smoking is not allowed.…”

Factors influencing dietary fat intake among black emerging adults

“…Such invincibility viewpoints can influence emerging adults' understanding of the trajectory of their behavior choices. Other researchers, whose samples included young adult populations, have reported similar invincibility beliefs and health choices regarding nutrition, risky behaviors (e.g., sexual practices and alcohol and tobacco use), and cardiovascular disease (Allison & Campbell, 2009;Dumbrell & Mathai, 2008;Giesbrecht, 1999;Frasca, Ventuneac, Balan, & Carballo-Diéguez, 2012;Huh, Sami, Abramova, Spruijt-Metz, & Pentz, 2013). Coupled with invincibility, society sends messages about how to avoid negative consequences for unhealthy choices.…”