A cross-cultural and historical survey of tobacco use among various ethnic groups.
This review of tobacco use in diverse historical and cultural contexts reveals a range of behaviors engaged in and perspectives held by members of respective ethnic groups, such as whether to consider tobacco as a medicine or as a problem. After its introduction to Western societies, many attributed tobacco with an array of medicinal uses, while condemning recreational use and identifying it as immoral. Tobacco has been used variously by respective ethnic groups at different times and places and these customs have flavored understandings of the relationships between tobacco and the body. Considerable ethnic variation exists not only in terms of tobacco use and abuse, but also with respect to pharmacogenetic factors that influences the consequences of tobacco exposure. There have also been different societal responses to the use of tobacco, including those related to the media, as well as to issues of treatment and prevention.
Essex County College, Health Services, 303 University Avenue, Newark, NJ 07102, USA. stolberg@essex.edu
Victor B
VB
Stolberg
D001294:Attitude to Health / Q000208:ethnology; D002562:Ceremonial Behavior; D003431:Cross-Cultural Comparison; D003466:Cultural Characteristics; D018864:Cultural Diversity; D005006:Ethnicity / Q000266:history*; D015438:Health Behavior / Q000208:ethnology*; D049671:History, 18th Century; D049672:History, 19th Century; D049673:History, 20th Century; D006801:Humans; D012907:Smoking / Q000266:history*; D014481:United States; D062789:Tobacco Products