Knowledge and Attitude Towards Smoking-related Cancers Among Older Greek-Australian : A Mixed- Methods Study

Smoking tobacco products presents as one of the highest preventable risk factors for all cancers, especially in older people. Greek peopleare one of the largest ethnic communities in Australia and have the highest smoking rate. This study aimed to understand knowledge and attitude towards smoking-related cancers among older Greek-Australian (GSs) using a mixed methods design. This study conducted in two stages sequentially. The first stage involved analysing qualitative data that were collected through face-toface semi-structured interviews with20current GSs. The data were analysed using content analysis. This analysis assisted in informing the second stage; acomparison of survey responses collected from 96 GSs and 103 Greek nonsmokers (GNSs), using a convenience sampling method. Statistical analysis centred on comparing the attitudes of these 2 groups. Belief on lack of any relationship between smoking and cancers or lack of harmful of smoking, and lack of benefit of quitting smoking formed smokers' knowledge. The results also demonstrated that low level of English skill was the only significant predictor of knowledge among GSs. Low level of education, socio-economic status, and lack of preparation to quit smoking were identified as predictors of positive attitude towards amoking among GSs. This study highlighted the main behavioural correlates of smoking-related behaviour among GSs that need to be considered on smoking cessation intervention.