Behind the smokescreen: Native American tobacco use in Oklahoma

The rate of Native American adult cigarette use in Oklahoma is 33.6%, exceeding the average state adult smoking rate of 24.7%. The present study examines differences in attitudes toward cigarette use and perceptions of tobacco-related health dangers held by Native Americans in Oklahoma. We analyze cross-sectional data from the 2004 and 2008 Oklahoma Adult Tobacco Surveys (n = 4,530) in order to evaluate whether Native American Oklahomans held differing perspectives of the risks of cigarette use and secondhand smoke. Oklahoma Native Americans were less likely than Oklahoma whites to believe that cigarettes are addictive, maternal smoking is harmful, and secondhand smoke is harmful. There was no significant difference between Oklahoma whites and Native Americans in the belief that certain diseases could be attributed to cigarettes and secondhand smoke. We conclude that for those identifying as Native Americans, Oklahoma agencies can bolster knowledge in the areas of cigarette addiction, maternal tobacco use, and the dangers of secondhand smoke with more effective messages.