Tobacco Environment for Southeast Asian American Youth: Results from a Participatory Research Project

Despite reports of high rates of smoking among Southeast Asian refugees in the United States, few studies have described the environmental aspects of tobacco use among this population, particularly for the second-generation youths. This absence is notable because the social environment within which second-generation youths are exposed to tobacco products differs radically from the natal environment of their parents. We describe results of a youth-led community participatory research project for Southeast Asians in Northern California. Using multiple data sources, second-generation youths documented the salience of tobacco products in their social environment, notably products such as blunts and mentholated cigarettes.