American Indian Alaska Native Adult Tobacco Survey: Data Collection and Survey Findings

American Indian/Alaska Native populations consistently have the highest commercial tobacco use rates compared to all other populations within the US. Many American Indian tribes in the U.S. argued that such aggregate findings do not provide tribal-specific rates because the tools and methods used to collect such data are not culturally appropriate. In 2000 CDC Office on Smoking and Health funded a project to develop a culturally competent adult commercial tobacco questionnaire, and interviewer training and implementation manuals for use within American Indian communities through a collaborative effort of, five Tribal Support Centers, the CDC, tribal members, and native researchers. This collaboration provided a forum for tribes to work on an equal footing with the federal government, gave voice to the concept of tribal self-determination, and respected tribal sovereignty.

The Muskogee Creek Nation, one of the Tribal Support Centers to complete the project, with approval and support from their respective tribal council, collected data by randomly sampling tribal members over the age of 18 while utilizing the interview protocol developed by the collaborative project partners. Data discussed will include prevalence rates, age of initiation, beliefs and attitudes about smoking policies, beliefs and attitudes related to the health impact of second hand smoke exposure, quit methods, smokeless tobacco use, and ceremonial use vs. commercial tobacco abuse.