Perceptions of lung cancer screening and smoking behavior change among Chinese immigrants: A systematic review

INTRODUCTION: Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death among Chinese immigrants in the US. Smoking cessation and lung cancer screening are effective ways to decrease lung cancer mortality. This study aims to investigate Chinese immigrants’ perceptions of lung cancer screening and to explore the factors/barriers associated with their smoking behavior/cessation. METHODS: A systematic review design with narrative methods was used. Electronic literature databases, including PubMed, CINAHL and Google Scholar were searched. RESULTS: A total of 11 articles met the search criteria. Methodological rigor of the studies was evaluated by Bowling’s checklist and Critical Appraisal Skills Program checklist. Data search revealed that a limited amount of research has been done on Chinese immigrants’ perceptions of lung cancer screening. Factors influencing their smoking behavior included personal characteristics, psychological status, acculturation, and cues from external environment. Barriers to their smoking cessation behavior included language barriers, individual’s unwillingness to use smoking cessation assistance methods, healthcare environment’s insufficiency to counter pro-smoking norms, lack of social support, and wrong personal beliefs. CONCLUSIONS: Findings from this study could help healthcare providers to design culturally tailored lung cancer screening programs and smoking cessation projects to decrease morbidity and mortality rates of lung cancer among Chinese immigrants.