Knowledge of Occupational Chemical Exposure and Smoking Behavior in Korean Immigrant Drycleaners

Abstract

To examine the association between knowledge of chemical exposure at work and cigarette smoking among Korean immigrant drycleaners. A cross-sectional survey was conducted with a total of 151 Korean immigrant drycleaners (mean age=49years, 64% male) from 96 drycleaning shops in a Midwestern state. The data were collected on demographic and work-related characteristics, knowledge of occupational chemical exposure, health concerns associated with chemical exposure, and smoking status. Approximately 25% of participants were current smokers. The multivariate regression showed that greater knowledge of occupational chemical exposures was significantly associated with a lower likelihood of current smoking [odds ratio (OR) .63; 95% confidence interval (CI) .41-.95]. Furthermore, male gender (OR 6.32; 95% CI 1.66-24.00), shorter-term residence in the US (OR .93; 95% CI .88-.98), and having multiple duties (OR 2.76; 95% CI 1.01-7.51) were important covariates associated with current smoking among Korean immigrant drycleaners. Knowledge on occupational chemical exposure was significantly associated with smoking among Korean immigrant drycleaners. Smoking cessation programs for this population should consider integrated approaches that incorporate work environment factors into individual and sociocultural components.