Asian Smokefree Communities: Evaluation of a Community-Focused Smoking Cessation and Smokefree Environments Intervention In New Zealand

Abstract

Language, culture and not knowing how to access services are barriers to the use of health services for Asian migrants. Asian Smokefree Communities (ASC) pilot-tested a novel Asian-specific service model to address these issues for Asian smokers. Korean- and Chinese-speaking coordinators delivered home-, workplace- or clinic-based interventions to support smokers with cessation and create smoke-free environments with families. A prior planned evaluation investigated the acceptability of the service, quit rates and exposure to second-hand smoke. The methods included analysis of ASC service records, a client satisfaction survey and key informant interviews. Clients were satisfied with factors associated with culture, such as being comfortable when talking to coordinators (88.9%) and family involvement in treatment (79.4%). Appointment attendance was high (97%). The self-reported quit rate for the 93 cessation clients was 72% at 1 month, 53.8 % at 3 months and 40.9 % at 6 months. All homes (100%) were smoke-free after the intervention, an increase of 18% from preintervention levels. The ASC model was acceptable to Asian clients. It helped them stop smoking and increased household protection from second-hand smoke. The model could make an effective contribution to smoke-free services for Asian populations in western countries.