Prevalence and predictors of tobacco use among Asian Americans in the Delaware Valley region.

Objectives: This study examined tobacco use rates and potential predictors of use among Asian Americans residing in the Delaware Valley region.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey design was used. The sample consisted of 1174 Chinese, Koreans, Vietnamese, and Cambodians.

Results: Findings indicated that the mean age at initiation of tobacco use was 18.3 years. Among the respondents, 40.2% had a history of tobacco use, and 29.6% were current users. Men were more likely than women to smoke. There were significant differences between never smokers, current smokers, and ex-smokers in sex, ethnicity, educational attainment, and marital and employment status.

Conclusions: The findings suggest that tobacco use is still a serious public health problem among Asian Americans, especially men.