Views on electronic cigarette use in tobacco screening and cessation in an Alaska Native healthcare setting

TL;DR

This study explores views on e-cigarette use in tobacco screening and cessation among Alaska Native communities, highlighting a need for updated approaches.

Contribution

The study identifies a gap in addressing e-cigarette use in tobacco cessation efforts within an Alaska Native healthcare system.

Findings

Current tobacco screening and cessation efforts lack information on e-cigarette use.

Perceptions of e-cigarettes' role in tobacco cessation varied among stakeholders.

Healthcare providers should address e-cigarettes in tobacco cessation messaging.

Abstract

American Indian (AI) and Alaska Native (AN) communities confront some of the highest rates of tobacco use and its sequelae.

This formative research project sought to identify the perspectives of 41 stakeholders (community members receiving care within the healthcare system, primary care providers, and tribal healthcare system leaders) surrounding the use of pharmacogenetics toward tobacco cessation treatment in the setting of an AI/AN owned and operated health system in south central Alaska.

Interviews were held with 20 adult AI/AN current and former tobacco users, 12 healthcare providers, and 9 tribal leaders. An emergent theme from data analysis was that current tobacco screening and cessation efforts lack information on electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) use. Perceptions of the use of e-cigarettes role in tobacco cessation varied.

Preventive screening for tobacco use and clinical cessation counseling should address e-cigarette use. Healthcare provider tobacco cessation messaging should similarly address e-cigarettes.