Prevalence and predictors of tobacco use among Asian Americans in the Delaware Valley region

Objectives. This study examined tobacco use rates and potential predictors of use among Asian Americans residing in the Delaware Valley region. Methods. A cross-sectional survey design was used. The sample consisted of 1174 Chinese, Koreans, Vietnamese, and Cambodians. Results. Findings indicated that the mean age at initiation of tobacco use was 18.3 years. Among the respondents, 40.2% had a history of tobacco use, and 29.6% were current users. Men were more likely than women to smoke. There were significant differences between never smokers, current smokers, and ex-smokers in sex, ethnicity, educational attainment, and marital and employment status. Conclusions. The findings suggest that tobacco use is still a serious public health problem among Asian Americans, especially men.