Empowering Indigenous Communities: New Quit Program Aims to Close the Gap on Smoking Rates

Breakthrough Program Aims to Reduce Smoking Rates Among Pregnant Indigenous Women

Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service (TCHHS) is launching a crucial initiative to address health disparities within the region, focusing on reducing smoking and vaping among pregnant Indigenous women. This groundbreaking program, dubbed “iSISTAQUIT,” represents a significant step towards achieving the ‘Closing the Gap’ targets and improving maternal health outcomes.

Addressing a Critical Health Challenge

Nationally, a concerning 8.7% of pregnant women are smokers, a figure that dramatically increases to over 54% among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women. TCHHS, which already faces elevated smoking rates, recognized the urgent need for targeted intervention. This disparity contributes to a range of serious health consequences, including low birthweight babies, preterm births, and increased infant mortality – issues that directly impact progress towards vital government health goals.

The iSISTAQUIT Program: A Culturally Safe Approach

The program, spearheaded by Healthier Pregnancies Initiative consultant Debbie Bannan, is designed to empower healthcare professionals to deliver culturally sensitive support to Indigenous women seeking to quit smoking or vaping during pregnancy. It emphasizes a brief, meaningful approach that respects the patient-clinician relationship, a cornerstone of effective care.

Metric	National Rate (Pregnant Women)	TCHHS Rate (Pregnant Women)	indigenous Rate (Pregnant Women)
Smoking Prevalence	8.7%	Higher Than Average	54%+
Vaping Prevalence	estimates vary, rising rapidly	Undetermined	Increasing
Target Completion Date for Closing the Gap Birth Weight Targets	2031	2031	2031

Training and resources for Healthcare Providers

To facilitate this vital work, TCHHS is providing online training modules accessible to all practitioners. These resources, championed initially by Dr. Ineke Wever, aim to bolster clinicians’ skills, confidence, and ability to provide effective cessation support. The rollout of the program is slated for late october, promising a tangible increase in the availability of nicotine replacement therapy at TCHHS primary health centers.

Expert Insight: Combating a Leading Risk Factor

“Tobacco consumption is a leading risk factor in our region,” stated Dr. Marlow Coates, Executive Director of Medical Services at TCHHS. “It’s a significant hurdle in our efforts to close the gap in maternal health outcomes. iSISTAQUIT provides a critical pathway to address this challenge and enhance the well-being of both mothers and babies.”

Key Benefits of the iSISTAQUIT Program

• Culturally Safe Support: Respects Indigenous cultural practices and beliefs.
• Improved Maternal Health: Reduces the risk of complications during pregnancy.
• Enhanced Newborn Health: Contributes to healthier birth outcomes.
• Strengthened Clinician Skills: Equips healthcare professionals with vital tools.

Did you know that smoking during pregnancy can negatively impact a child’s long-term health? Pro Tip: Encourage pregnant women to seek support from their healthcare provider if they are struggling with nicotine addiction.

The iSISTAQUIT program highlights a crucial strategy in addressing persistent health inequities. Similar initiatives focused on culturally tailored smoking cessation programs are gaining traction nationwide, demonstrating a growing recognition of the need for targeted interventions. ongoing research into the most effective approaches to reduce smoking rates during pregnancy will continue to shape best practices and improve outcomes for Indigenous communities. The long-term success of this program will undoubtedly depend on sustained funding, ongoing training, and a collaborative approach involving healthcare providers, community leaders, and women themselves.

What is the iSISTAQUIT program?

It’s a national initiative designed to help healthcare providers offer culturally safe smoking and vaping cessation support to Indigenous women during pregnancy.

Why is this program critically important?

Smoking rates are substantially higher among Indigenous pregnant women, leading to serious health risks for both mothers and babies and hindering progress towards Closing the Gap targets.

When will the program be available at TCHHS?

The rollout is expected to begin in late October.

What type of support will be available?

The program offers online training modules and nicotine replacement therapy at TCHHS primary health care centers.

Who is leading the iSISTAQUIT project?

Debbie Bannan, a clinical midwifery consultant with the Healthier Pregnancies Initiative, is the project lead.

How does this program help ‘Close the Gap’?

By reducing smoking rates, the program contributes to improved birth weights, reduced preterm births, and better overall maternal and infant health outcomes.

What are some of the risks of smoking during pregnancy?

Smoking during pregnancy is linked to low birth weight, small for gestational age, preterm birth, and perinatal death.

Share this important story and let’s discuss how we can continue to support healthier communities. What actions do you think are most vital in addressing health disparities?

How does the past trauma experienced by Indigenous communities contribute to higher rates of commercial tobacco use?

Understanding the Disparity in Smoking rates

For decades, Indigenous communities across North America have faced disproportionately high rates of commercial tobacco use compared to other populations. This isn’t simply a matter of personal choice; it’s deeply rooted in historical trauma, systemic inequities, and targeted marketing practices. Understanding these factors is crucial when discussing Indigenous tobacco cessation and implementing effective smoking cessation programs. The impact extends beyond individual health, affecting family well-being, cultural practices, and community vitality. Key contributing factors include:

* Historical Trauma: The legacy of colonization, forced assimilation, and loss of conventional ways has contributed to higher rates of stress, depression, and substance use, including tobacco.

* Targeted Marketing: The tobacco industry has historically targeted Indigenous communities wiht aggressive marketing campaigns.

* Socioeconomic Factors: Poverty, lack of access to healthcare, and limited educational opportunities exacerbate the problem.

* Cultural Significance of Tobacco: Traditional tobacco holds sacred meaning in many Indigenous cultures, and the introduction of commercial tobacco has created confusion and challenges.

The American Indian Commercial Tobacco Program: A Culturally Sensitive Approach

Recognizing the unique challenges faced by Indigenous communities,programs like the American Indian Commercial Tobacco Program (AITCP),operated by National Jewish Health,are taking a culturally sensitive approach to tobacco quit support. The AITCP, and similar initiatives, aren’t about simply telling people to stop smoking; they’re about empowering individuals and communities to reclaim their health and well-being.

This program focuses on:

* Cultural Adaptation: Tailoring cessation resources to reflect Indigenous values,beliefs,and traditions.

* Community-Based interventions: Working directly with tribal communities to develop and implement programs that meet their specific needs.

* Extensive Support: Offering a range of services, including quitlines, counseling, and educational materials.

* addressing underlying Issues: Recognizing and addressing the historical trauma and systemic inequities that contribute to tobacco use.

Accessing Support: Quitlines and Beyond

One of the most accessible resources for individuals seeking to quit smoking is a dedicated quitline. The AITCP provides access to specialized quitlines staffed by trained counselors who understand the unique challenges faced by Indigenous people. These quitlines offer:

1. One-on-One counseling: Personalized support and guidance from a dedicated counselor.
2. Culturally Relevant Materials: Facts and resources tailored to Indigenous cultures.
3. nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT): Access to NRT, such as patches, gum, and lozenges, to help manage withdrawal symptoms (where available and appropriate).
4. Text Messaging Support: Convenient and discreet support via text message.

You can find more information and access these resources at https://keepitsacred.itcmi.org/quitlines/. Beyond quitlines, many tribal health organizations offer additional tobacco cessation resources, including group counseling, workshops, and traditional healing practices.

Benefits of Quitting: A Holistic Outlook

The benefits of quitting commercial tobacco extend far beyond improved physical health. For Indigenous communities, quitting can be a powerful act of cultural revitalization and self-determination.

Here’s a breakdown of the benefits:

* Improved Physical Health: Reduced risk of cancer, heart disease, respiratory illnesses, and other health problems.

* Enhanced Mental Well-being: Reduced stress, anxiety, and depression.

* Financial Savings: Notable cost savings from no longer purchasing tobacco products.

* Strengthened family Bonds: Improved health and well-being for family members.

* Cultural Reconnection: Reclaiming traditional ways and strengthening cultural identity.

* Increased Life Expectancy: Longer, healthier lives for individuals and future generations.

Practical Tips for Quitting

quitting tobacco is challenging, but it’s achievable. Here are some practical tips to help you succeed:

* Set a Quit Date: Choose a date and commit to it.

* Tell Your Support System: Let your family and friends know you’re quitting and ask for their support.

* Identify Your Triggers: Recognize the situations,emotions,and people that make you want to smoke.

* Develop Coping Strategies: Find healthy ways to manage cravings and stress,such as exercise,meditation,or spending time in nature.

* Seek Professional help: Utilize quitlines, counseling, or other tobacco treatment resources.

* Celebrate Your Successes: Acknowledge and reward yourself for reaching milestones.

* Don’t Give Up: If you slip up, don’t be discouraged. Learn from your experience and keep trying.

Addressing Systemic Issues: Advocacy and Policy Change

While individual cessation efforts are critically important, addressing the systemic issues that contribute to high smoking rates is equally crucial. This requires advocacy for policies that:

* Reduce Tobacco Industry Marketing: Restrict the tobacco industry’s ability to target Indigenous communities.

* Increase Funding for Cessation Programs: Provide adequate funding for culturally tailored smoking cessation services.

* Address Social Determinants of Health: Tackle poverty, lack of access to healthcare, and other social factors that contribute to tobacco use.

* Promote Traditional Tobacco Use: Support the revitalization