Acculturation status has a modest effect on smoking prevalence among a cohort of Pacific fathers in New Zealand

Abstract

Objective: This article explores the relationship between smoking prevalence and acculturation among a cohort of Pacific Island fathers resident in New Zealand. Methods: Overall, 766 Pacific fathers were included in the analysis. Selfreported smoking status was assessed and compared with data from a robust epidemiological measure of acculturation status specifically designed for use amongst the Pacific population. Additional variables describing socio-demographic and other circumstances of the participating fathers were also incorporated in the analysis because of their known association with smoking behaviour. Results: Overall, 40.3% of Pacific fathers were current smokers. Multivariable logistic regression showed that acculturation status was associated with smoking crude (p<0.001) and multivariable logistic regression models, when adjusting to socio-demographic variables (p=0.008). Conclusion: Smoking rates for Pacific fathers in New Zealand are high. There appears to be a modest effect of acculturation on smoking prevalence, where those fathers with higher Pacific cultural identity have the lowest smoking rates. It is opined that the strength of identification and a holistic view of health enhances the motivations of Pacific fathers to be smoke-free in New Zealand. Implications: Strategies which maintain, enhance, and incorporate fathers' Pacific cultural identity may be a useful addition to comprehensive tobacco control strategies to reduce the prevalence of smoking in Pacific people living in New Zealand. © 2011 The Authors.