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Discovering unique tobacco use patterns among Alaska Native people
Julia A Dilley1, Erin Peterson, Vanessa Y Hiratsuka
1Program Design and Evaluation Services, Multnomah County Health Department and Oregon Health Authority, Portland, OR, USA. julia.dilley@state.or.us
International Journal of Circumpolar Health
|August 24, 2013
Summary
Tobacco use, including cigarettes and smokeless tobacco (SLT), is high among Alaska Native adults. Targeted public health strategies are crucial for reducing tobacco-related health disparities in these communities.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Health Disparities
Background:
- Alaska Native people experience higher rates of tobacco-related diseases.
- Understanding tobacco use patterns is critical for health interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe tobacco use among Alaska Native adults.
- To identify geographic and demographic variations in tobacco consumption.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of data from Alaska's Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS).
- Stratified analysis of over 4,100 Alaska Native adults by region and demographics.
Main Results:
- High prevalence of cigarette smoking (41.2%) and smokeless tobacco (SLT, 12.3%) use.
- Iq'mik, a unique SLT variant, was used by 4.8% overall, with higher use among women in specific regions.
- Geographic disparities noted, with highest cigarette smoking in remote areas and SLT use in the southwest.
Conclusions:
- Tobacco use is epidemic across diverse Alaska Native communities.
- Detailed analysis within racial/ethnic groups is essential for effective public health planning.
- Findings can inform targeted programs to reduce health disparities.
