The authors report the results from 10 months of a high intensity smoking cessation programme at a suburban Aboriginal medical service in Western Sydney. Clients were able to receive weekly counselling sessions and free nicotine replacement therapy. Attempts to stop smoking were made by 32 clients, but these were successful in only 9% of cases (3 clients). Participants found the primary barriers to quitting were chronic and intercurrent life stressors. The authors comment that the complexity of smoking cessation is increased amongst Aboriginal Australians due to their experience of multiple life stressors and that these issues should be considered in the design of future interventions.
Although brief, this article does highlight the complexities of undertaking a smoking cessation programme with Indigenous Australians. The multiple life stressors experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island people are significant and are extremely difficult to ‘take control of’ when attempting to quit smoking. Interventions such as increased tax on tobacco, while benefiting some, may create further burden for others. he recommendations made in this paper are worth reading.
Independent commentary by Dr. Matire Hardwood
Dr Matire Harwood (Ngapuhi) has worked in Hauora Māori, primary health and rehabilitation settings as clinician and researcher since graduating from Auckland Medical School in 1994. She also holds positions on a number of boards, committees and advisory groups including the Health Research Council. Matire lives in Auckland with her whānau including partner Haunui and two young children Te Rangiura and Waimarie.
Research Review publications are intended for New Zealand health professionals.
Disclaimer: This publication is not intended as a replacement for regular medical education but to assist in the process. The reviews are a summarised interpretation of the published study and reflect the opinion of the writer rather than those of the research group or scientific journal. It is suggested readers review the full trial data before forming a final conclusion on its merits.
