Gender differences in smoking and meanings of smoking in Asian-American college students

This study examined the meanings of smoking among Asian-America college students and the associations between those meanings and their smoking behaviors. Data were collected from two postsecondary institutions in southern California. A total of 460 students with 205 males and 255 females completed the survey. The odds ratio of each meaning to students' smoking behaviors was calculated. Spearman's correlational analyses were run to make comparisons between genders. Males who endorsed social meanings were more likely to smoke while females who endorsed personal meanings were more likely to smoke. Gender-tailored smoking prevention programs may be needed for Asian-American college students.