Smoking Cessation Behavior in Male Portuguese Californians

Hilderman Dos Santos; Serena Tonstad; Susanne Montgomery; Michael Paalani; Pegah Faed

doi:10.32398/cjhp.v9i2.1437

Hilderman Dos Santos Loma Linda University, School of Public Health, Health Promotion Department
Serena Tonstad Loma Linda University, School of Public Health, Health Promotion Department
Susanne Montgomery Loma Linda University, School of Public Health, Health Promotion Department
Michael Paalani Loma Linda University, School of Public Health, Health Promotion Department
Pegah Faed Loma Linda University, School of Public Health, Health Promotion Department

DOI: https://doi.org/10.32398/cjhp.v9i2.1437

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to identify determinants of smoking cessation in a sample of male Portuguese Californians using data from the Portuguese Study, a dissertation thesis study with a crosssectional design that assessed 141 smokers and 67 ex-smokers of Portuguese origin residing in Southern and Central California recruited from Portuguese community clubs. Socio-demographics, acculturation, health beliefs, stress, and social support for smoking cessation were assessed and measured in this population. Bivariate predictors of becoming an ex-smoker were being married (p=.01), having a high support index for not smoking (p<.01), having a nonsmoking close friend (p<.01), perception that doctors control health (p=.02), disagreement with the belief that health occurs by chance (p=.01), and belief that it is easy to stop smoking (p<.01). In a multivariate analysis - after controlling for demographic variables, acculturation, and stress variables - ex-smoking status remained associated with having a high support index for not smoking (p<.01), having a nonsmoking close friend (p=.05), disagreement with the belief that health occurs by chance (p<.01) and belief that it is easy to stop smoking (p<.01). Conclusion: Social support, the belief that health does not occur by chance and self-efficacy were associated with being an ex-smoker in Portuguese Californian males. Smoking cessation programs in this population should address these determinants.