Developing an ATOD Prevention Campaign for Asian and Pacific Islanders: Some Considerations

This article provides an overview of the Asian and Pacific Islander (API) populations in the United States as it relates to developing targeted alcohol, tobacco, and other drug (ATOD) prevention media. Although APIs represent several ethnic subgroups, many API communities face the same risk factors including pressure on youth to achieve, immigration and acculturation stressors, shame and denial in addressing substance abuse, and racism and discrimination. The authors recommend that media prevention campaigns targeting API communities emphasize cultural and family strengths and the active involvement of parents. The article concludes with an introduction to eight API communities in the United States.