Feasibility Pilot of a Randomized Faith-Based Intervention to Reduce Secondhand Smoke Exposure Among Korean Americans

Abstract

IntroductionInterventions are needed to prevent exposure to secondhand smoke (SHS), which persists in certain immigrant enclaves, including Koreans in the United States. A faith-based and culturally acceptable intervention was developed and pilot tested in collaboration with Korean churches to address SHS exposure among people of Korean descent.MethodsA pilot cluster randomized intervention trial was conducted with 11 Korean churches in southern California and 75 Korean adults who were exposed to SHS. Study participants received a multicomponent intervention, which consisted of motivational interviewing by telephone and educational materials tailored with related biblical messages; the intervention was bolstered by church-based group activities and environmental cues. The control group received the same type and frequency of intervention components, but the components related only to fruit and vegetable consumption. Data were collected on the feasibility of the intervention and study procedures. SHS exposure and awareness and knowledge of SHS exposure were assessed by telephone interviews at baseline and follow-up.ResultsAt follow-up, a larger percentage of the intervention group than the control group reported correct SHS knowledge and disapproval of SHS. The intervention group’s SHS exposure was reduced by 8.5 cigarettes per week (vs a reduction of 1 cigarette per week among the control group).ConclusionsInitial findings are promising for improving knowledge, attitudes, and protective behaviors surrounding SHS exposure. Results suggest that a faith-based intervention for Korean Americans who are exposed to SHS is feasible, acceptable, and potentially effective in reducing their exposure to SHS.

Interventions for Cardiovascular Disease Risk Reduction in Korean Americans: A Systematic Review

“…The samples were primarily adults aged 18 years and older (mean age ranged 35-70). Of 14 reviewed studies, 10 used a randomized controlled trial (RCT) with two groups (Hughes, Corcos, Hovell, & Hofstetter, 2017;Islam et al, 2013;K. B. Kim et al, 2014; M. T. Kim et al, 2011;S.…”

“…Of 14 reviewed studies, eight (Fang et al, 2006;Hughes et al, 2017; S. S. Kim, 2017; S. S. Kim, Kim, Fang, et al, 2015; M. T. Kim, Kim, Huh, et al, 2015;McDonnell et al, 2011;Moskowitz et al, 2016;Zhu et al, 2012) reported a specific Note. T2DM = type 2 diabetes mellitus; BP = blood pressure; BMI = body mass index; WC = waist circumference; W/H ratio = waist-to-hip ratio; f/u = follow-up; IG = intervention group; CG = control group; SHS = second hand smoking; CVD = cardiovascular disease; CHW = community health worker; RCT = randomized controlled trial (continues).…”

“…S. Kim, 2017;S. S. Kim, Kim, Fang, et al, 2015; M. T. Kim, Kim, Huh, et al, 2015), and five specifically explained how and what elements of the intervention linked to CV health outcomes (Hughes et al, 2017;S. S. Kim, 2017;S.…”

“…Individual sessions were provided in nine studies (Fang et al, 2006;Hughes et al, 2017;M. T. Kim et al, 2011;S.…”

“…T. Kim, Kim, Huh, et al, 2015). The most common intervention approach was education/counseling sessions (Choi & Rush, 2012;Fang et al, 2006;Hughes et al, 2017;S. S. Kim, 2017;S.…”