Don’t Follow the Smoke—Listening to the Tobacco Experiences and Attitudes of Urban Aboriginal Adolescents in the Study of Environment on Aboriginal Resilience and Child Health (SEARCH)

Christina L. Heris (), Mandy Cutmore, Catherine Chamberlain, Natalie Smith, Victor Simpson, Simone Sherriff, Darryl Wright, Kym Slater and Sandra Eades
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Christina L. Heris: National Centre for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Wellbeing Research, Australian National University, Acton, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
Mandy Cutmore: Sax Institute, Glebe, Sydney, NSW 2037, Australia
Catherine Chamberlain: Indigenous Health Equity Unit, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
Natalie Smith: Riverina Medical and Dental Aboriginal Corporation, Wagga Wagga, NSW 2650, Australia
Victor Simpson: Riverina Medical and Dental Aboriginal Corporation, Wagga Wagga, NSW 2650, Australia
Simone Sherriff: Sax Institute, Glebe, Sydney, NSW 2037, Australia
Darryl Wright: Tharawal Aboriginal Corporation, Airds, Sydney, NSW 2560, Australia
Kym Slater: Tharawal Aboriginal Corporation, Airds, Sydney, NSW 2560, Australia
Sandra Eades: Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia

IJERPH, 2023, vol. 20, issue 5, 1-24

Abstract: Preventing smoking among young Aboriginal people is important for reducing health inequities. Multiple factors were associated with adolescent smoking in the SEARCH baseline survey (2009–12) and discussed in a follow-up qualitative study that aimed to inform prevention programs. Twelve yarning circles were facilitated by Aboriginal research staff at two NSW sites in 2019 with 32 existing SEARCH participants aged 12–28 (17 female, 15 male). Open discussion around tobacco was followed by a card sorting activity, prioritising risk and protective factors and program ideas. The age of initiation varied by generation. Older participants had established smoking in their early adolescence, whereas the current younger teens had little exposure. Some smoking commenced around high school (from Year 7), and social smoking increased at age 18. Mental and physical health, smoke-free spaces and strong connections to family, community and culture promoted non-smoking. The key themes were (1) drawing strength from culture and community; (2) how the smoking environment shapes attitudes and intentions; (3) non-smoking as a sign of good physical, social and emotional wellbeing; and (4) the importance of individual empowerment and engagement for being smoke-free. Programs promoting good mental health and strengthening cultural and community connections were identified as a priority for prevention.

Keywords: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health; adolescents; tobacco; smoking prevention; health promotion; community program (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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