Based on the 2009-2011 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, the CDC reports that 14.9% of Asian American men and 16.6% of Asian American women report having any mental illness. Asian Americans with mental illness have a current smoking prevalence twice as high as those without (20.6% vs. 10.4%). Asian American women with any mental illness have 3 times the smoking prevalence of those without (16.0% vs. 5.5%).
Mental illness was assessed for the preceding year using a series of 14 questions that made up two scales measuring psychological distress (Kessler-6) and disability (World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule). It should be noted that the NSDUH is conducted at the respondent’s household but only in English or Spanish, potentially missing 1/3 of Asian Americans who have limited English proficiency.
Population of focus: Asian Americans
Link to resource: Vital Signs: Current Cigarette Smoking Among Adults Aged ≥18 Years with Mental Illness — United States, 2009–2011
Date: 2013
Organization: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention