 | The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA |
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| The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA |
Laura A. Beebe, PhD, Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, P.O. Box 26901, Oklahoma City, OK 73190, 405-271-2229, laura-beebe@ouhsc.edu, LaDonna BlueEye, BA, Native American Prevention Research Center, University of Oklahoma, 800 NE 15th Street, Room 532, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, and Vicki Cleaver, EdD, Department of Health Promotion Sciences, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, PO Box 26901, Oklahoma City, OK 73190.
Objective: The role of tobacco in Native American communities is complex due to its traditional use and the economic impact of tribal smoke-shops. This study identified characteristics unique to Native American communities that are important for developing and implementing tobacco abuse prevention and control programs. Methods: With direction from a community advisory council, we developed an opinion leader survey to assess capacity for tobacco control in Native American communities. The survey was tested, revised, and all interviews were conducted by a single Native American interviewer. Using snowball sampling methods, leaders were identified, and interviews were tape recorded and transcribed. Qualitative data techniques were used to analyze the data. Results: Twenty surveys were conducted with leaders in the pilot community, including representatives from the tribe, health care, schools, law enforcement, businesses and social service agencies. Themes emerging included both community strengths and barriers related to tobacco abuse and its prevention. Strengths included a strong sense of community and willingness to help others; family values, especially the importance of safe and healthy children; supportive cultural institutions such as churches and tribal activities; and a desire to find solutions within the community. Barriers included smoke-shops; lack of support from tribal leaders; lack of programs; youth access; and racism. Conclusions: The capacity of Native American communities to effectively engage in tobacco abuse prevention and control activities is influenced by a unique set of community strengths and barriers. By understanding these community characteristics, more effective and culturally appropriate strategies can be developed.
Learning Objectives:
Keywords: Tobacco Control, American Indians
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.