American Indian Perspectives on Culturally Aligning a Digital Smoking Cessation Resource

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Health Equity
• Digital Health

Background:

• Innovative smoking cessation interventions are crucial for improving quit rates among American Indian (AI) peoples.
• Existing programs often face barriers like travel and infrastructure requirements.
• Culturally tailored approaches are needed to address the specific needs of AI communities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify recommendations from AI peoples for culturally aligning an evidence-based smoking cessation smartphone app.
• To guide the adaptation of the QuitGuide app for AI users.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative methods, including semi-structured interviews with AI adults who smoke (n=40) and public health professionals (n=6).
• Constant comparative techniques were used to analyze interview data and identify themes.

Main Results:

• Key smoking triggers identified include loss, grief, and lack of access to traditional tobacco.
• Recommended app features include promoting traditional tobacco use, cultural connectedness, Native spirituality, and community engagement.
• Indigenizing the app with Native imagery and focusing on legacy for future generations were also suggested.

Conclusions:

• Strengths-based factors such as healing, cultural connectedness, and traditional tobacco use should be promoted within the app.
• Culturally aligning the app can enhance its effectiveness for AI individuals seeking to quit smoking.