Community participation in research design and outcome interpretation is essential for addressing public health challenges in Indian Country. In Boston, Massachusetts a series of Talking Circles was conducted as a follow-up to a 1998 Behavioral Risk Factor Survey (BRFS) among urban American Indians/ Alaska Natives. The study focused on cigarette smoking, including influences encouraging or discouraging smoking, familial and peer smoking habits, role of the media in affecting change in smoking status, and personal stories that gave individual insight into reasons for smoking. This topic was chosen because of the high rates of cigarette smoking (55%) identified by the BRFS. A nested sample (n=60) was drawn from the survey population (315) and then stratified according to smoking status (ex-, current, and never smokers). The groups were co-facilitated by an Elder and a doctoral student who were both members of the local AI/AN community. Regardless of smoking status, Talking Circle participants recalled a familial and community upbringing that included non-criticized, pervasive cigarette smoking and tobacco chewing. Indications of social acceptability ranged from repeated observations of "everyone" smoking to witnessing of family members smoking at specific times to earmark events or completion of daily routines. Talking Circle participants voiced the opinion that cigarette smoking behaviors have not changed dramatically over time, but the content of cigarettes has, and therefore the true onus for rising rates of illness lies with the tobacco industry. Implications for cigarette smoking prevention and cessation are discussed.
Learning Objectives: 1. articulate the role family and community play in forming beliefs about cigarette smoking 2. understand the perspective AI/AN peoples have regarding the responsibility of tobacco companies 3. describe cigarette smoking behaviors of Boston-area AI/AN
Keywords: American Indians, Smoking
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Indian Health Service, National Cancer Institute
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: National Cancer Institute - training grant for project,
Indian Health Service - staff for project