Non‐smoker assertive behaviour against smoke exposure: Chinese and Korean American non‐smokers

Abstract

Introduction Non-smokers’ assertive behaviour towards smokers by asking them not to smoke is important in promoting smokefree environments. Korean and Chinese Americans come from countries where most women are non-smokers and assertive behaviour may not be prevalent but may increase after migration due to social-ecological factors. This study assessed the extent to which Korean and Chinese American non-smokers ask someone not to smoke and associated factors. Methods The 2003 California Chinese American and Korean American Tobacco Use Surveys were analysed. Multivariate logistic regression analyses examined factors related to non-smoker self-reports that they asked someone not to smoke within the past year. Results Forty percent reported past year assertive behaviour against smoking, with higher rates among Koreans than Chinese (60.4% vs. 34.5%). Rates were also higher among those living with smokers (63.5%), ever exposed with a smokefree home rule (62.3%), recently exposed at work without a smokefree work policy (67.6%) and regularly exposed at other locations (52.3%). In combined multivariate analyses of both ethnic groups, assertive behaviour was associated with individual factors (single vs. married, tobacco exposure knowledge), family factors (living with smokers, exposed at home despite a smokefree rule), community factors (exposed at work with no smokefree policy, exposed at other locations) and cultural factors (Korean vs. Chinese ethnicity, lower acculturation). Discussion and Conclusions Chinese and Korean American non-smokers report assertive behaviour against smoking, which is associated with social-ecological factors. Results help identify target groups and strategies for future intervention, including the need to implement or enforce smokefree environments and promote empowerment.

Association of Smoking-Related Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices (KAP) with Nutritional Status and Diet Quality: A Cross-Sectional Study in China

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“…The assertive behavior of non-smokers is related to socioecological factors, influenced by environmental and regional policies [27], and is characterized by rejecting an environment that encourages smoking. There have been reports that no-smoking policies and social norms can encourage smoking cessation [28,29].…”

Impact of a smoke‐free–living educational intervention for smokers and household nonsmokers: A randomized trial of Chinese American pairs

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