Progress in Community Health Partnerships: Research, Education, and Action

Abstract:

Background: American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) cigarette smoking prevalence is disproportionately high, especially in the northern United States. Tailored quitlines are needed to support AI/AN commercial tobacco users with quitting.

Objectives: Obtain community feedback by working with trusted AI/AN partners; genuinely incorporate feedback into program design; collaboratively develop and implement culturally relevant quitline services for Minnesota's AI/AN community.

Methods: Working in partnership, AI/AN community input was gathered, and community partners were engaged to inform the development, training, implementation and monitoring of a tailored program within the existing state quitline.

Results: Findings suggest focusing on the commercial tobacco user/coach relationship, increased cultural understanding and program content adaptations could make quitlines more acceptable for AI/AN commercial tobacco users.

Conclusions: The development and launch of the AI Quitline demonstrated the feasibility of collaboration among AI/AN organizations and community members, funders and providers to create a culturally relevant cessation service for AI/AN commercial tobacco users.