American Indian Adult Tobacco Survey: Utilizing the Data

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. disputed that broad survey based aggregate findings do not provide tribal-specific rates. Additionally the tools and methods used to collect such data are not culturally appropriate. In 2000. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Office on Smoking and Health (OSH) funded a project to develop a culturally competent adult commercial tobacco questionnaire, and interviewer training and implementation manuals for use within American Indian communities. This project was completed through a collaborative effort of five CDC/OSH funded Tribal Support Centers, the CDC, tribal members, and American Indian 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 American Indian Adult Tobacco Survey utilizes a unique methodology that increases the effectiveness and cultural competence of population-based surveillance among tribal communities. Having collected that data several methods have been utilized to assist tribes with developing materials, publications and strategies to effectively use the collected information. An important aspect of utilizing the data, has been to do so in a way that is culturally appropriate and respectful manner as the participating communities are the sole owners of their data. Methods to obtain tribal approval will also be discussed.