Rates of Current Tobacco and Electronic Smoking Device Use Among Filipinos in Hawai'i.

Tobacco use continues to damage the health of Filipinos. In Hawai'i, Filipinos have the second highest rate of smoking among adults and they are the fastest growing minority population. Electronic smoking devices are becoming popular and accessible. This study explored attitudes and practices of Filipinos in Hawai'i who use electronic smoking devices (ESDs), as well their knowledge of the effect of smoking and/or vaping on health and their awareness and motivations use smoking cessation programs. A convenience sample of 178 Filipinos who reported that they smoked and/or vaped responded to the online survey from January to March 2018. Reasons for starting to use ESDs included liking the different flavors (43%), being curious about vaping (38%), and viewing vaping as healthier than cigarettes (30%). Among respondents, 12% said they would like to quit smoking and 11% wanted to quit vaping, and very few felt that smoking and/or vaping behaviors impacted their health. They also demonstrated limited knowledge of cessation methods and products. Tobacco and vaping cessation programs for the Filipino community in Hawai'i are much needed because this population is at risk of developing smoking-related diseases. ©Copyright 2019 by University Health Partners of Hawai‘i (UHP Hawai‘i).