Learning Objective #1: Identify interpesronal and intrapersonal factors that prevent and reduce cigarette smoking behavior

Learning Objective #2: Recognize gender differences and cultural perspectives for cigarette smoking prevention and reduction programs among Asian American adolescents

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Cigarette smoking in Asian Americans is increasing and becoming a major heath problem. However, there is a paucity of data regarding cigarette smoking among Asian American adolescents. The purpose of this study was to examine the association between intrapersonal (e.g., self-esteem, depression, and delinquent behaviors) and interpersonal factors (e.g., parental monitoring, romantic relationships, and environments of neighborhood) on cigarette smoking. The sample included 1584 Asian American adolescents in grades 7 to 12 that participated in Wave I of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health as a nationally representative data. Logistic regression was used to examine smoking behavior among Asian American adolescents.

Males who were older were more likely to smoking cigarettes, but age was not significant in females. G.P.A was highly associated with smoking behavior in both male and female. In males, emotional characteristics were not significant, but depressive mood (O.R=.96) was significant in female smoking behavior. Males who did delinquent behaviors (O.R=2.1) were more likely to smoke cigarettes, but delinquency is not associated with female smoking behaviors. Poor monitoring from parents were not significant in both male and female. Romantic relationships were strongly associated with increased smoking behavior in females (O.R=.88), but not in males. Male adolescents who had poor neighborhood environments were more likely to smoke cigarettes, but neighborhood environments did not influence female smoking behaviors.

In the implication of these findings, lower G.P.A was the factor most strongly associated with smoking in both male and female adolescents. Poor neighborhood environments were strongly associated with increased smoking behaviors in male adolescents, but not females. Romantic relationship and depressive mood were strongly associated with female smoking behaviors, but not male adolescents. These findings suggest that gender differences and cultural factors must be considered when designing interventions and education for Asian American adolescents.