The Public Health Implications of the Use and Misuse of Tobacco among the Aboriginals in Canada

Abstract

Tobacco smoking among the Aboriginal populations is a major public health issue in Canada. It remains a major contributory risk factor to the poor health status as well as years of potential life lost seen among the indigenous people. The use of tobacco has a spiritual importance to the people as a means of making connection to the Creator, but unfortunately tobacco smoking has taken a recreational aspect which has little or no connection with Aboriginal spirituality. The non-traditional use of tobacco is believed by the Elders to be disrespectful to the Aboriginal culture and traditional way of life. There is an increase in rate of use of smokeless tobacco as well as smoking of tobacco among the youth with increase in percentage among females. There are socioeconomic implications as well as adverse health effects of the misuse of tobacco on the Aboriginal people that need to be addressed. The healthcare professionals have a unique role in helping patients to reduce tobacco use within the community through programs that are culturally sensitive and relevant. Successful strategies requires general support from the community and it is very important that some of that support comes from community leaders, including spiritual, professional, administrative and elected policy makers.

Native/Aboriginal Students use Natural Health Products for Health Maintenance More so than Other University Students

“…Native/Aboriginal students, because of their cultural background, are more likely to adhere to a holistic approach that encompasses the spiritual, mental, physical, and emotional aspects of health [38]. This might explain why the use of NHP, especially medicinal plants, is appealing to Native/Aboriginal students.…”

“…This leads to more questions about commercial tobacco use and misuse in the Aboriginal population [38]. Home(opathic) remedies and rat root are preferred by Native/Aboriginal students, who turn to Elders to learn about NHP [24].…”

Smoking cessation and tobacco prevention in Indigenous populations

“…However, some difficulty has been reported in implementing these policy initiatives, with some First Nations feeling that non-Aboriginal governments do not have the right to dictate private behaviours, and therefore ordinary community members are unlikely to accept such regulations (Orisatoki 2013). However, some places within Canada have enforced certain legislation, including Smoke-Free Ontario in 2006, which prohibited smoking in workplaces, enclosed public spaces, and motor vehicles when a minor under the age of 16 is present; banned the public display of tobacco products; and prohibited youth-targeted products such as flavoured cigarillos (Ontario Ministry of Health and LongTerm Care 2011).…”

“…The research base from this review has demonstrated that early collaboration and engagement with Indigenous community members is imperative to successful implementation of initiatives and programs within communities (Carson et al 2012a;Sibthorpe et al 2002). Indeed, a review of tobacco use and misuse among Aboriginals in Canada identified that health professionals play a critical role in reducing tobacco use through health intervention programs (Orisatoki 2013). For Aboriginal health professionals in particular, the likelihood of engagement with Aboriginal patients is increased compared to non-Aboriginal health professionals.…”

“…For Aboriginal health professionals in particular, the likelihood of engagement with Aboriginal patients is increased compared to non-Aboriginal health professionals. Moreover, Aboriginal healthcare professionals are often viewed as role models within these communities (Orisatoki 2013). Given this evidence, health professionals should be considered as an opportunistic vehicle to deliver sustainable and culturally-adapted tobacco strategies.…”