Smoking Behavior among Arab Americans in Metro Detroit, Michigan, 2009

Audience:

All groups working in tobacco control in general will benefit but those who work closely with diverse and disparate populations will benefit more, also those who are specialize in non-cigarette tobacco products. Hookah use is a strong social trend in tobacco use in USA, especially among young adults.

 Key Points:

1. The Arab Americans in Metropolitan Detroit have significantly higher cigarette smoking rates than comparison group.
2. In addition to cigarettes, they are smoking hookah at high rates.
3. They are exposed to SHS in their homes, workplaces, vehicles and public places significantly more than the White non Arab Americans.
4. One of the important reasons is they have a lower socioeconomic status and limited access to health care services than the White non Arab Americans.

The study is a retrospective, cross sectional survey study designed to provide a representation of Arab Americans in Michigan and their cigarette and hookah use pattern and behavior. A total of 2032 adults were surveyed. Comparisons are made between the Arab American respondents in this survey and White, non-Arabs in the same geographic area from the MiBRFSS to highlight disparities between the two populations. 

Educational Experience:

A ppt. will feature clarifying graphs and charts. Testimonials will demonstrate how cultural beliefs and attitudes impact behavior and how social determinants of health are the controlling variables for health behavior.  

Benefits:

Increase the audience awareness and explore numerous indicators of health status, behaviors, and attitudes about this ethnic minority with a very high rate of smoking prevalence and their hookah use.