Study: Korean Americans are the heaviest smokers among Asian groups

A disparity exists between certain racial and ethnic groups when it comes to cigarette smoking prevalence, according to a new study released by Center for Disease Control and Prevention last week.

Though Asian Americans as a group had the lowest smoking prevalence, at 10.9 percent, in comparison to Hispanics (19.9 percent), whites and blacks (both 24.9 percent), American Indians/Alaska Natives (38.9 percent) and Pacific Islanders (22.8 percent) from 2010 to 2013, Asian sub-groups saw a wider range.

Chinese Americans had the lowest smoking prevalence, with 7.6 percent, but in the same period, 20 percent of Korean Americans reported they are smokers. Koreans were followed in prevalence by Vietnamese Americans (16.3 percent) and Filipino Americans (12.6 percent). Indian Americans, at 7.6 percent, and Japanese Americans, at 10.2 percent, were below the Asian American average.

Cigarette smoking among all groups decreased from the 2002-2005 period to 2010-2013. The CDC said high-impact media campaigns, higher prices for tobacco products and smoke-free policies can reduce smoking prevalence.