This qualitative study examines the social environmental influences on smoking and cessation from the perspectives of Chinese smokers and household nonsmokers in California. Seven focus groups were conducted with 63 participants. Three culturally influenced levels of potential intervention emerged from constant comparative analysis. At the individual level, participants focused more on irritating odor than health harms of exposure and had inaccurate beliefs about harms of smoking and cessation. At the relational level, peers kept smokers connected to pro-smoking norms. There was conflict in the home about smoking and failed cessation, but smokers recognized the benefits of cessation for family harmony and children's health. Physicians encouraged cessation but this tended to be insufficient to prompt action unless a smoker felt ill. At the societal level, participants recognized changes in social acceptability and environmental regulation of smoking upon immigration. Better implementation of smokefree policies, plus culturally nuanced strategies for equipping both nonsmokers and smokers to become smokefree, are needed.

Background

Chinese American men smoke at a high rate, which puts household nonsmokers at risk. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a brief-intensity versus moderate-intensity smoke-free-living educational intervention for household pairs.

Methods

The authors conducted a randomized controlled trial of Cantonese-speaking Chinese American smoker and household nonsmoker pairs in San Francisco, California. Pairs were randomized to moderate-intensity or brief-intensity group sessions with their household partner. The moderate-intensity group received 2 group sessions, a laboratory report of their baseline smoke exposure, as measured by 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanol (NNAL), and 3 follow-up calls over 6 months. The brief-intensity group received 1 group session on tobacco-cessation resources. Primary outcomes were biochemically validated, past-month smoking abstinence and elimination of nonsmoker household exposure at 12 months.

Results

Participant pairs (n = 203) were male smokers, one-half of whom did not intend to quit within 6 months, with mostly female spouses as household nonsmokers. Approximately three-quarters of nonsmokers in both groups already had smoke-free home rules. At 12 months, smokers in both groups had similar biochemically validated 30-day abstinence rates (moderate-intensity group, 0%-20.7%; brief-intensity group, 0%-20.0%; P = .002 over time). More smokers in the moderate-intensity group used subsequent cessation group classes (moderate-intensity group, 50%; brief-intensity group, 24%; P = .004). Household nonsmokers in both groups had similar biochemically validated rates of no home exposure (moderate-intensity group, 24.5%-42.2%; brief-intensity group, 24.8%-33.3%; P = .0001 over time).

Conclusions

A moderate-intensity smoke-free-living educational intervention for Chinese-speaking household pairs was not more effective than a brief-intensity intervention for smoking abstinence and elimination of household nonsmoker exposure. Abstinence rates were similar to those achieved with standard group counseling. Cancer 2018;124:1590-8. © 2018 American Cancer Society.

Home smoking bans can reduce tobacco smoke exposure, but little is known about the impact for Chinese American household pairs. In this study of 202 household pairs with low acculturation, 53.9% reported a home smoking ban, 31.7% had inconsistent reports, and 14.4% reported no ban. With decreasing home smoking ban enforcement, more nonsmokers had tobacco smoke exposure (66.1%-86.2%) as measured by the tobacco-specific nitrosamine biomarker urine NNAL (4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanol). Despite reported bans, about one-quarter of nonsmokers still reported tobacco smoke exposure at home (23.6%-30%) within the past 2 months and three-quarters reported outdoor exposure. In adjusted regression analyses of geometric mean NNAL ratios, nonsmokers in households with no ban had over two times higher levels than nonsmokers in households with a ban: adjusted log NNAL ratio = 2.70 (95% CI 1.21, 6.03). Higher smoker NNAL level and nonsmoker English fluency were also significantly associated with nonsmoker NNAL levels. Nonsmoker levels in households with an inconsistent ban were not significantly different compared to those with a ban. Although home smoking bans were generally associated with lower NNAL levels, tobacco smoke exposure in this immigrant population with low English proficiency was higher than that of the general population. From a health equity standpoint, there is a need for broader implementation and enforcement of comprehensive smoke-free policies.

Background

Chinese men smoke at high rates, and this puts household members at risk for tobacco-related diseases. Culturally responsive interventions that provide education and support are needed to promote smokefree living and reduce smoke exposure, particularly for US immigrants who experience changes in smokefree social norms. This qualitative study examines perspectives of Chinese American smoker and nonsmoker household pairs in the Creating Smokefree Living Together program.

Methods

Four focus groups were conducted with 30 Chinese American participants (15 smokers and 15 nonsmokers) who, in household pairs, completed smokefree education interventions of either brief or moderate intensity. Nearly three-quarters of the smokers continued to smoke after the intervention at the time of focus group participation. All smokers were male, and most household nonsmokers were female spouses. All participants had limited English proficiency. Focus group meetings were recorded, and the recordings were translated and transcribed. Transcripts and field notes were thematically analyzed.

Results

The following themes, shared by smokers and nonsmokers across interventions, were identified: 1) there was a preference for dyadic and group interventions because of the support offered, 2) increased knowledge of the health harms of smoke exposure within a pair improved the nonsmoker's support for smokefree living, 3) learning communication strategies improved household relationships and assertiveness for smokefree environments, 4) biochemical feedback was useful but had short-term effects, and 5) project magnets provided cues to action.

Conclusions

Involving household partners is critical to smokefree interventions. Simple reminders at home appear to be more powerful than personal biochemical feedback of smoke exposure for sustaining motivation and engagement in ongoing behavioral changes within the household. Cancer 2018;124:1599-606. © 2018 American Cancer Society.

Introduction

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer in all racial and ethnic groups. Although CRC screening is very cost-effective, screening rates are low among most ethnic groups, including Asian Americans. Given the high use of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) among Chinese Americans one potentially useful approach to promote CRC screening in these communities could involve TCM providers in outreach efforts.

Methods

A two-phase study was conducted. The perceived suitability of TCM providers in CRC prevention was explored in Phase 1. Guided by Phase 1 findings, in Phase 2, a 38-page integrative educational flipchart was developed and tested. Focus groups and observations were conducted with TCM providers (acupuncturists and herbalists) and with limited English proficient Chinese American immigrants living in San Francisco, California.

Results

In Phase 1, the role of TCM providers as CRC screening educators was deemed acceptable by both providers and community members, although some providers had reservations about engaging in CRC outreach activities due to lack of expertise. The majority of providers were not aware of regular CRC screening as a preventive measure, and most were not up-to-date in their own screening. In Phase 2, the integrative CRC education flipchart was perceived as culturally appropriate based on stakeholder input and feedback.

Conclusion

This study shows that TCM providers have the potential to be a valuable and culturally appropriate community resource for providing information on CRC screening. It suggests a potential role for traditional healers as change agents in the immigrant community health network.

Background

Biospecimen collection from diverse populations can advance cancer disparities research, but is currently underrepresented.

Methods

We partnered with a community-based clinic serving Cantonese-speaking Chinese Americans to develop and revise an educational seminar on biospecimen collection. Through a randomized controlled trial (n = 395), the intervention seminar was compared with a control seminar (cancer prevention) on change in willingness to donate biospecimens.

Results

At baseline, many were willing to donate a biospecimen (saliva, urine, hair, toenails, blood, unused cancerous tissue) whether healthy or hypothetically had cancer. Also, many would donate because future generations would benefit, and few had concerns about donation. In logistic regression analyses, there was an intervention effect for willingness to donate: urine if had cancer [OR, 2.2; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.3-3.7], toenails if healthy (OR, 2.1; 95% CI, 1.4-3.2) or had cancer (OR, 2.3; 95% CI, 2.0-2.7), hair if healthy (OR, 1.8; 95% CI, 1.3-2.5) or had cancer (OR, 2.8; 95% CI, 1.9-4.0), and unused cancerous tissue (OR, 1.8; 95% CI, 1.2-2.9). There was also an intervention effect for donating because future generations would benefit (OR, 2.0; 95% CI, 1.4-3.0), and this attitude was a strong independent predictor for willingness to donate all biospecimens, whether healthy or had cancer (OR, 2.9-4.2).

Conclusion

Cantonese-speaking Chinese American participants of an educational seminar on biospecimen collection showed greater increases in willingness to donate biospecimens and donating for the benefit of future generations, than participants who attended a control seminar.

Impact

Donating for the benefit of future generations is a theme that should be incorporated in messages that encourage biospecimen donation for Chinese Americans.

The research team recruited eight Chinese American (seven females, one male) lay health workers (LHWs). They received 12 h of training about colorectal cancer (CRC), its screening, and basic health education techniques. Each LHW were asked to recruit ten participants and conduct two educational sessions. Of the 81 participants recruited, 73 had not received colorectal cancer screening. Their mean age was 63.0 years, and 72.6% were women. Knowledge of colorectal cancer, its causes, and its screening increased significantly. Receipt of first colorectal cancer screening test increased from 0.0% at baseline to 55.7% for fecal occult blood tests, 7.1% for sigmoidoscopy, and 7.1% for colonoscopy. LHW outreach is feasible and may be effective in promoting CRC screening among Chinese Americans.

The research team recruited eight Chinese American (seven females, one male) lay health workers (LHWs). They received 12 h of training about colorectal cancer (CRC), its screening, and basic health education techniques. Each LHW were asked to recruit ten participants and conduct two educational sessions. Of the 81 participants recruited, 73 had not received colorectal cancer screening. Their mean age was 63.0 years, and 72.6% were women. Knowledge of colorectal cancer, its causes, and its screening increased significantly. Receipt of first colorectal cancer screening test increased from 0.0% at baseline to 55.7% for fecal occult blood tests, 7.1% for sigmoidoscopy, and 7.1% for colonoscopy. LHW outreach is feasible and may be effective in promoting CRC screening among Chinese Americans.

Objectives

To evaluate the efficacy of an in-language intervention of 2 lectures plus printed materials versus printed materials alone on knowledge and adherence to nutrition and physical activity guidelines among older Chinese Americans in San Francisco, California.

Methods

From August 2010 to September 2013, we randomized 756 Chinese Americans aged 50 to 75 years to either lectures plus print (n = 361) or print (n = 357). Clusters were the participants recruited by each lay health worker. Intervention outcomes were changes in knowledge of recommended vegetable intake, fruit intake, and physical activity level and adherence to those recommendations from pre- to 6 months postintervention.

Results

The retention rate was 99%. At baseline, knowledge and adherence to recommendations were low. Print yielded increases in knowledge of recommended vegetable intake and physical activity level and adherence to fruit intake and physical activity recommendations. Lectures plus print had significant increases in all 6 outcomes. In multivariable models, lectures plus print was superior to print for knowledge of vegetable (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 12.61; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 6.50, 24.45) and fruit (AOR = 16.16; 95% CI = 5.61, 46.51) intake recommendations and adherence to vegetable intake recommendations (AOR = 5.53; 95% CI = 1.96, 15.58).

Conclusions

In-language print materials, alone and combined with lectures, increased nutrition and physical activity knowledge and behaviors among older Chinese Americans.

Introduction

Chinese Americans have low colorectal cancer (CRC) screening rates. Evidence-based interventions to increase CRC screening in this population are lacking. This study aims to compare the efficacy of two interventions in increasing CRC screening among Chinese Americans.

Design

Cluster randomized comparative trial.

Setting/participants

From 2010 to 2014, a community-academic team conducted this study in San Francisco, CA with Chinese Americans aged 50-75 years who spoke English, Cantonese, or Mandarin.

Intervention

Lay health worker (LHW) intervention plus in-language brochure (LHW+Print) versus brochure (Print). LHWs in the LHW+Print arm were trained to teach participants about CRC in two small group sessions and two telephone calls.

Main outcome measures

Change in self-reports of ever having had CRC screening and being up to date for CRC screening from baseline to 6 months post-intervention. Statistical analysis was performed from 2014 to 2015.

Results

This study recruited 58 LHWs, who in turn recruited 725 participants. The average age of the participants was 62.2 years, with 81.1% women and 99.4% foreign born. Knowledge increase was significant (p<0.002) for nine measures in the LHW+Print group and six in the Print group. Both groups had increases in having ever been screened for CRC (LHW+Print, 73.9%-88.3%, p<0.0001; Print, 72.3%-79.5%, p=0.0003) and being up to date for CRC screening (LHW+Print, 60.0%-78.1%, p<0.0001; Print, 58.1%-64.1%, p=0.0003). In multivariable analyses, the intervention OR for LHW+Print versus Print was 1.94 (95% CI=1.34, 2.79) for ever screening and 2.02 (95% CI=1.40, 2.90) for being up to date.

Conclusions

Both in-language print materials and LHW outreach plus print materials increased CRC screening among Chinese Americans. The combination of LHW+Print was more effective than Print alone. These findings can guide clinicians and policymakers in choosing appropriate interventions to increase CRC screening among Chinese American immigrants.

Trial registration

This study is registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov NCT00947206.