An Ethnographic Study To Determine How The Navajo People, As a Traditional People, Have Resisted Cigarette Smoking

The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

3141.0: Monday, November 11, 2002 - 12:45 PM

Abstract #38625

Albert Howard Harvey, MA, MPH, CHES, Dine Holistic Health Associates, Retired Health Educator, Indian Health Service, US Department of HHS, 11901 Lexington Ave. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87112, 505-2922738, aloobear@msn.com

ABSTRACT

The findings of this qualitative (ethnographic) study – Why older Navajo people resisted cigarette smoking and smokeless tobacco in the first place? – suggest that; (1) Navajo mountain tobacco smoke – used in traditional spiritual ceremonies – has had a significant influence to discourage smoking commercial cigarettes. The ceremony is called “Dee Naal Yaa” and is usually performed by an elder or a medicine man. The Navajo youth appear to be missing the messages and guidance of their elders. Navajo youth need healthy lifestyles now to avoid the catastrophes of morbidity/mortality associated with commercial tobacco. Navajo people involved in the study were interested in continuing their involemet to learn more about what influences people to start smoking and chewing commercial tobacco. Many of the Navajo participants in the study are willing to share their experiences with other tribes by publishing this study.

Navajo interviewer interviewed twenty (20) Navajo people – residents of the Chinle and Kayenta areas - about their thoughts and beliefs regarding cigarette smoking and other tobacco use. The interviews were tape-recorded mostly using the Navajo language. The selected tape recordings were transcribed into the English language. The recorded data was then sorted out and compared for purposes of analysis and discussion by the focus group. The common themes were analyzed and presented to the focus group at their meeting.

The ideas and data were discussed and validated where it was appropriate. A core group of interviewees expressed interest in following up on the possibility of publishing their conglomerate ideas.

Learning Objectives:

The participants will be able to know and understand that

- There is a difference between Navajo Mountain Smoke and commercial tabbaco.
- The differences explain why traditional Navajos were resistant toward smoking commercial tobacco.
- The Navajo youth prevlance rate for using commercial tobacco, including smkeless tobbaco, probably exceeds the national average as per respective ethnic,age groups and locality of residence.
- The implication for high prevalence rate of smoking among Navajo youth is increased risks of morbidities/mortalities. If the smoking rate continues, without any kind of public health interventions, then more public health problems can be expected down the road.
- There are good implications for using the traditional Dee Naal Yee Ceremonies in conjunction with current and available health services. Traditional and modern ways have to be integrated for positive effects and better halth of the our Navajo children.
- There is room for more research, pilot projects, demonstration projects, and health fairs to assist Navajos to become more aware of the enomity of and the ill efffects of commercial tobacco use.

Keywords: Tobacco Control, Smoking Cessation

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.

Issues in Health Disparities

The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA