Use of a smokers' quitline by Asian language speakers: results from 15 years of operation in California

Abstract

Objectives: We examined state quitline utilization by smokers who called Chinese-, Vietnamese-, or Korean-language lines, and compared their usage rates to those of Asians and Whites calling the English-language line.

Methods: Using data from 15 years (1993-2008) of operation of the California quitline (which included data on 22 061 callers to Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese lines) and from multiple California Health Interview Surveys, we computed the call rates for Whites, English-speaking Asians, and the 3 Asian-language groups. We also examined callers' demographics and where they heard about the quitline.

Results: Asian smokers who spoke English were significantly less likely than English-speaking White smokers to call the quitline (odds ratios range from 0.36 to 0.62). Smokers speaking 1 of the 3 Asian languages were no less likely than White smokers to call (odds ratios range from 0.82 to 3.25). More than 80% of those calling the Asian-language lines reported hearing about the quitline through mass media.

Conclusions: Contrary to general expectation, smokers speaking Asian languages were just as likely to call the quitline as English-speaking White smokers. State quitlines should consider adding Asian-language lines to help address disparities in access to cessation services.