A family affair: Aboriginal women's efforts to limit second-hand smoke exposure at home

The objective of this study was to explore factors influencing smoking in home environments and Aboriginal women's efforts to minimize exposure for their children and themselves.

A community-based ethnographic research study conducted in the northwest region of BC with the Gitxsan First Nations. The study included individual interviews and focus groups with 26 women ranging in age from 17 to 35, key informants (n = 15), elders (n = 9), middle-age women (n = 7), and youth (n = 6) from six reserve communities.

Women experienced unique challenges in establishing smoke-free homes. Themes identified that describe these challenges include social dimensions of smoking in extended families, and the structural and relational influences on women's efforts to minimize household second-hand smoke to protect children's health. Narratives also included stories of success in women's efforts to reduce exposure to second-hand smoke.

Second-hand smoke presents a multifaceted challenge to Aboriginal women who are motivated to protect their health and the health of their children. Their efforts to implement smoke-free strategies in their homes should be supported.