Smoking is normal for south Asian men

Smoking habits and attitudes in Bangladeshi and Pakistani adults in Britain are best understood with cultural and gender contexts in mind. In a participatory, qualitative study of Bangladeshi and Pakistani adults living in Newcastle upon Tyne, Bush and colleagues (p 962) identified four themes that influence smoking attitudes and behaviour: gender, age, religion, and traditions. They found that smoking is a widely accepted practice in south Asian men and is associated with socialising, sharing, and male identity. Among women smoking is associated with stigma and shame. Interpretations of the acceptability of smoking within the Muslim religion varied. Although the researchers identified some similarities with smoking behaviour in white populations, many differences were found that will help improve culturally sensitive smoking cessation interventions.

(Credit: CHRIS STOWERS/PANOS)

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Relevant Article

Understanding influences on smoking in Bangladeshi and Pakistani adults: community based, qualitative study

Judith Bush, Martin White, Joe Kai, Judith Rankin, and Raj Bhopal
BMJ 2003 326: 962. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]