Social Influence of E-cigarette Use among Asian Americans in California

Dale Dagar Maglalang, Leanna Fong, Victoria Jo Gapuz, Kyle Navarro, Grace J. Yoo, Mai Nhung Le

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Objectives: The use of e-cigarettes is on the rise in the United States (US). An understudied facet of e-cigarette use is the influence of social groups. The purpose of the present article is to examine the role of social groups in the use of e-cigarettes among Asian Americans. Methods: We conducted 12 semi-structured interviews of Asian Americans who use e-cigarettes living in California. Interviews were transcribed and analyzed using thematic analysis. Results: Findings showed that e-cigarette use is normalized and encouraged among peer groups and social gatherings, anecdotal success stories of their peers who were able to quit or reduce their use of combustible cigarettes using e-cigarettes were motivating, and vape shops provided a space for socialization and belonging. Conclusions: The findings illuminate that e-cigarette use is a mediator in Asian American social groups as an activity for collectivity and connection. Public health researchers and practitioners can address nicotine use or addiction among Asian Americans through group or peer targeted prevention and intervention strategies.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)173-181
Number of pages9
JournalAmerican Journal of Health Behavior
Volume47
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 2023

Keywords

  • Asian/Pacific Islanders
  • Electronic cigarettes
  • Health behavior
  • Social determinants
  • Vaping

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Health(social science)
  • Social Psychology
  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

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