Researchers
Fewer Asian American smokers reported receiving physician advice to quit when compared to the U.S. general population. This research project funded by the Tobacco-Related Disease Research Program examines the efficacy of an interactive “Mobile Doctor” intervention (iMD) for English-, Cantonese-, Korean- and Vietnamese-speaking Asian male patients whose smoking prevalence rates remain high. In collaboration with Asian Health Services using a community-based participatory research approach, our joint research team created the iMD that delivers tailored in-language video messages via a mobile tablet to male smokers right before their clinic visit with a provider. iMD delivers the “5 A’s” (Ask, Advise, Assess, Assist, & Arrange) and generates a bilingual tailored summary printout. The team completed a single-group pilot trial with 47 Korean- and Vietnamese-speaking daily smokers who received primary care at a federally-qualified health center. Half of the pilot trial participants had no intention to quit smoking within 6 months. iMD took an average of 13 minutes (range: 10-25 minutes) to complete. All patients reported discussing their smoking with their providers during the visit. Many perceived iMD was helpful in their decision of quitting and in enhancing their communication with providers. The iMD currently available in English, Cantonese (Chinese), Korean and Vietnamese. The current project is a randomized controlled trial testing the efficacy of iMD in promoting patient-provider discussion on tobacco use and on smoking cessation outcomes among Asian daily smokers presenting in primary care. In addition, we are conducting informative qualitative research to identify needs among Asian female smokers to tailor and expand the iMD for female smokers. The overall goal of the research is to identify strategies to leverage every clinical encounter to address tobacco use particularly among patient groups that are vulnerable to tobacco-related health disparities.