Cultural Perspectives on Tobacco Use and Cessation Among Chinese American Immigrants: A Community-Engaged Qualitative Study

Introduction: Tobacco use is a preventable cause of death among ethnic minorities. Chinese Americans have high smoking rates and underutilize evidence-based cessation therapies. Community members’ perspectives on tobacco use and cessation may help bridge treatment gaps and ensure that cessation approaches are aligned with cultural values. Methods: Focus group methods were used to explore cultural factors influencing tobacco use and cessation among 50 Chinese immigrants. Emerging themes were identified using thematic analysis. Results: The three emerging themes are (a) tobacco use is influenced by Chinese American immigrants’ socioecological environment, (b) self-discipline determines the ability to quit, and (c) complex family dynamics influence quitting. Discussion: Cessation approaches framed within cultural perspectives may help bridge treatment gaps. Innovations such as leveraging soft technologies that are widely used in the community may extend the reach of health promotion campaigns and treatments.