Smoking expectancies and health perceptions: An analysis of Hispanic subgroups

Research suggests different patterns of cigarette smoking behaviors across Hispanic subgroups. However, research examining differences in known cognitive correlates of smoking behavior (e.g., beliefs about smoking and perceived consequences of smoking) is lacking. The purpose of this study was two-f...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Addictive behaviors 2019-11, Vol.98, p.106008-106008, Article 106008
Main Authors: Wainwright, Katherine, Perrotte, Jessica K., Bibriescas, Natashia, Baumann, Michael R., Garza, Raymond T.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Cigarette smoking
Health perceptions
Hispanics
Smoking-related cognitions
Social consequences
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Summary:Research suggests different patterns of cigarette smoking behaviors across Hispanic subgroups. However, research examining differences in known cognitive correlates of smoking behavior (e.g., beliefs about smoking and perceived consequences of smoking) is lacking. The purpose of this study was two-fold. First, given the dearth of research examining cigarette smoking across Hispanic subgroups, we sought to replicate previous findings related to disparities in smoking behavior across four subgroups (i.e., Mexican American, Puerto Rican, Cuban American, and Dominican American). Second, we sought to extend previous work by examining Hispanic subgroup differences across a range of smoking-related cognitive factors (i.e., positive and negative beliefs, perceived health risks, and perceived social consequences). This study used data from 1021 Hispanic individuals from four universities in the U.S. (i.e., Texas, California, New York, Florida) in a project funded by the American Legacy Foundation. Results indicated that Cuban Americans reported more current smoking than any other subgroup and the most positive beliefs about smoking, although Puerto Ricans endorsed the fewest negative beliefs about smoking out of all the groups. There were also differences across subgroups on some perceived health risks of smoking (e.g., Cubans were most likely to believe that smoking was a risk factor for diabetes) and perceived social consequences of smoking (e.g., Mexican Americans were less likely to perceive negative social consequences from not smoking). This study underscores the need to account for heterogeneity within the Hispanic population in tobacco research to more effectively inform future research and prevention practices. •Cubans had the highest prevalence of cigarette use compared to other Hispanic groups.•Cubans endorsed more positive beliefs about smoking compared to other Hispanic groups.•Cubans and Puerto Ricans both endorsed negative social consequences of not smoking.•Cubans perceived more health risks related to smoking and greater benefits of quitting.•Hispanics are not a homogeneous group with regards to cigarette use and beliefs.
ISSN:0306-4603
1873-6327
DOI:10.1016/j.addbeh.2019.05.032