A Culturally Tailored Tobacco Cessation Program for American Indians: Program Development

Abstract

American Indian communities face an ongoing challenge of effectively addressing tobacco related health disparities in an environment that often lacks culturally tailored interventions. This dissertation identified the knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs about SLT and SLT use within the AI community and addressed the program development phases of a culturally tailored SLT cessation program. A CBPR approach served as the foundational approach to this study. A three phase research plan was created to guide the research team through program development, implementation, and assessment of program materials. The first two phases of the research plan were undertaken as part of this study. Phases 1 and 2 were specifically designed to gather formative data and guide the research team through program development. Results showed that community members were willing to provide comments and suggestions that influenced the design of an SLT cessation program. Community feedback specifically addressed SLT cessation, which may improve individual and community health and well-being within the AI community. The results from this study support a culturally appropriate cessation program for AI that addresses traditional tobacco use. Studies such as this can potentially contribute to a better understanding of strategies to involve community members in all phases of the research process, as well as how to improve the threat of commercial tobacco use in the AI population.