Place Matters in Perceived Tobacco Exposure Among Korean American Young Adults: Mixed Methods Approach

Abstract

A sequential mixed methods study was conducted to identify factors influencing perceived norms about smoking and to examine the association of acculturative contexts and normative beliefs among Korean American young adults (KAYA) who face increased risk of smoking. Content analysis of data from 67 participants in 10 focus groups in 2010 led to the development of an online survey in 2012 (N = 475). KAYA overestimated smoking prevalence, reporting Korean-owned businesses (KOB) as primary places of exposure. Our findings revealed that visits to KOB predicted perceived norms about smoking. Modifying perceptions about social norms and involuntary tobacco exposure may be critical in reducing smoking among KAYA. The study's limitations are noted.

Keywords :

• smoking
• Korean American young adults
• mixed methods
• perceived norms
• acculturation
• involuntary tobacco exposure
• social norms

THE AUTHORS

Jimi Huh, Ph.D., is Assistant Professor of Research at the University of Southern California, Keck School of Medicine. Her research focuses on multilevel contextual influences on health-related behaviors among underserved immigrant populations.

James Paul Thing is a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Southern California, Keck School of Medicine. His research focuses on sexuality, sexual health, HIV, and substance use among racial-ethnic minority communities.

Zarina Sabrina Abramova is currently pursuing MPH in the Environmental Health. She is interested in health disparities in tobacco and substance use among the underserved and underinsured populations.

Mojgan Sami, Ph.D., is an interdisciplinary scholar who explores the influences of an increasingly urbanized/built environment on ecological, health, and human security.

Jennifer Beth Unger, Ph.D. is Professor of Preventive Medicine at the University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine. Dr. Unger's research focuses on the psychological, social, and cultural influences on health risk behaviors.

GLOSSARY

• Mixed methods: The research methods that focus on questions that call for real-life contextual understandings, multilevel perspectives, and cultural influences, drawing from both quantitative and qualitative research.

• Perceived social norms/normative beliefs: These perceptions, irrespective of factual accuracy, serve as a form of social influence if individuals adopt health-related behaviors that they perceive to be approved by their social reference group.