Number One, May 1999

Contents

Research
Background

Research Review

Policy Issues
Factors Influencing Tobacco Use

Challenges to Tobacco Prevention Efforts

Developing Effective Materials/Programs

References

Resources

Overcoming Barriers: Racial and Ethnic Issues in the War Against Tobacco

Executive Summary

Researchers say they now understand that tobacco use patterns, tobacco-related health risks, and effective prevention programs vary among and within four of America’s largest minority groups—African Americans, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, American Indians and Alaska Natives, and Hispanics. Recent research results reveal a good news/bad news scenario.

Problem Statement

Cigarette smoking is the leading preventable cause of disease and death in the United States. We have an enormous opportunity to reduce heart disease, cancer, stroke, and respiratory disease among members of racial and ethnic minority groups who make up a rapidly growing segment of the population.

David Satcher, M.D., Surgeon General

The good news is that tobacco use rates have dropped for the entire country since 1983, and educators and activists are beginning to understand what constitutes effective tobacco use prevention education.

The bad news is that most minorities have been left out of this positive turnaround. Tobacco is as deadly as ever, but smoking is up dramatically among minorities, especially among teens and certain population subgroups.

Since researchers know that prevention works best with children, and educators know what it takes for tobacco use prevention programs to succeed in the White population, the challenge is to create effective, successful tobacco use prevention programs for minority populations.

This issue of Tobacco Control Research Digest presents some of the most current, relevant research on tobacco control and prevention among minority groups and some practical suggestions to put effective programs into place.