Gutka and tambaku paan use among South Asian immigrants: A focus group study Journal Article


Authors: Banerjee, S. C.; Ostroff, J. S.; Bari, S.; D'Agostino, T. A.; Khera, M.; Acharya, S.; Gany, F.
Article Title: Gutka and tambaku paan use among South Asian immigrants: A focus group study
Abstract: Smokeless tobacco use is prevalent among South Asian immigrants, particularly in the forms of gutka and tambaku paan. In this paper, we examined (a) gutka and tambaku paan initiation and use patterns among South Asian immigrants, and (b) perceptions related to quitting and tobacco control. Six focus groups were conducted with 39 South Asian adult gutka/tambaku paan users, in three different South Asian languages (Gujarati, Bengali, and Urdu). Participants reported easy availability of gutka and tambaku paan in neighborhood stores, and noted several factors that promoted initiation (including social networks, perceived benefits, and curiosity). Due to awareness of low social acceptance of gutka and tambaku paan in the US, some participants discussed changing patterns of use following immigration. Finally, participants proposed roles of various agencies (e.g., doctors'/dentists' role, governmentled initiatives) for tobacco control in South Asian immigrant communities. This research provides implications for improving tobacco control efforts in the United States, particularly for South Asian immigrants.
Keywords: smokeless tobacco; gutka; paan; south asian immigrants
Journal Title: Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health
Volume: 16
Issue: 3
ISSN: 1557-1912
Publisher: Springer  
Date Published: 2014-06-01
Start Page: 531
End Page: 539
Language: English
DOI: 10.1007/s10903-013-9826-4
PROVIDER: scopus
PUBMED: 23579964
PMCID: PMC4097304
DOI/URL:
Notes: Export Date: 2 September 2014 -- Source: Scopus
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  1. Jamie S Ostroff
    344 Ostroff
  2. Smita Banerjee
    125 Banerjee
  3. Francesca Mara Gany
    216 Gany
  4. Sehrish Bari
    9 Bari