title: Reactions to secondhand smoke by nonsmokers of Korean descent: clash of cultures?
abstract: Koreans hail from a culture where men's smoking and secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure were the norm. Little is known about how nonsmokers of Korean descent respond to smokers in the United States. In 2007-2008, trained moderators conducted eight focus groups with nonsmokers (n = 47) of Korean descent in San Diego. Participants discussed their personal experiences and views concerning SHS. Most participants detected SHS quickly and disliked the smell. Their reactions differed by gender, age, and how well they knew the smoker. Reactions ranged from passive (e.g., tolerating SHS or staring) to assertive (moving or asking the smoker to stop smoking). Younger participants were more tolerant than older participants. Participants appeared caught between two cultures. Despite high awareness, they struggled with how to avoid SHS in a manner befitting of their social status and Korean values. Culturally sensitive programs are needed for immigrants such as Koreans in the United States.
authors.affiliation: Center for Behavioral Epidemiology and Community Health, Graduate School of Public Health, San Diego State University, 9245 Sky Park Court, Suite 230, San Diego, CA 92123, USA. shughes@projects.sdsu.edu
authors.forename: Suzanne C
authors.initials: SC
authors.lastname: Hughes
authors.forename: Paula M
authors.initials: PM
authors.lastname: Usita
authors.forename: Melbourne F
authors.initials: MF
authors.lastname: Hovell
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Richard Hofstetter
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D001213:Asian / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D044466:Asian People / Q000208:ethnology; D001294:Attitude to Health / Q000208:ethnology*; D002140:California / Q000453:epidemiology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003466:Cultural Characteristics; D054242:Emigrants and Immigrants / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012737:Sex Factors; D012907:Smoking / Q000208:ethnology*; D014028:Tobacco Smoke Pollution / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D014028:Tobacco Smoke Pollution