Gould, Gillian S. (2013) A Snapshot of the Development of Anti-Tobacco Messages for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities: report from an Australian national survey. Report. James Cook University, Cairns, QLD, Australia.

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Abstract

Background: Smoking prevalence remains high in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. Indigenous peoples in countries colonised by Western nations prefer culturally-targeted anti-tobacco messages, yet only recently have messages been tailored for Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. We conducted a national survey to determine how messages are being developed for Indigenous tobacco control.

Method: Forty-seven telephone interviews were conducted with 44 of 53 eligible organisations. Twenty-two Aboriginal Medical Services (AMSs), 13 Government Organisations (GOs), four Universities and eight non-government organisations (NGOs) participated. Questions included targeting and theoretical approaches, community consultation, messages types and design, campaign types, cultural challenges, recommended actions, resources developed, pre-tests and evaluation.

Findings: Responses were scored according to core components, and message features. Total scores (mean 10.9 ±SD 2.7) were not associated with organisation type. A community-orientated, bottom-up approach was popular (47%), 55% used a theoretical framework, 87% used a positive benefit appeal; 38% used threat messages, 72% conducted a pre-test and 53% evaluated programs. Cultural sensitivity for message development was divided into superficial (images, language, demographics) and deep structure (socio-cultural). AMSs were significantly more likely to report using more deep structures in message tailoring than NGOs (p<.05) and GOs (p<0.05). A non-linear principal component analysis revealed two dimensions accounting for 53% of the variation in findings. These dimensions were called "cultural understanding" and "rigour". Over 50% of the organisations had experienced cultural challenges in message development included issues raised due to the diversity of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultures for example with the use of Indigenous artwork, language, and stereotypes. Conflicts and delays caused some issues with program management; and the choice and use of role models was sometimes problematic.

Conclusion: Features associated with successful anti-tobacco campaigns are reported by organisations Australia-wide for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. This study has provided new insight into the current development of anti-tobacco messages in Australia by coupling the use of both cultural understanding and rigour to enable the growth of evidence based practice. Ideally tailoring should include theoretical, behavioural and cultural aspects with Indigenous advisors, to effect cessation. Superficial structures assist message 'fit'. Deep structures, significantly used by AMSs, are centrally processed and influence message salience. We recommend refinement of evaluation, pre-empting cultural challenges, and synergy by partnerships to achieve the goal of closing the gap on Indigenous health caused by tobacco smoking.

Item ID:	31852
Item Type:	Report (Report)
ISBN:	978-0-9875922-2-4
Additional Information:	Copyright: © Dr Gillian S Gould 2013
Date Deposited:	27 May 2014 05:43
FoR Codes:	11 MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES > 1117 Public Health and Health Services > 111701 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health @ 100%
SEO Codes:	92 HEALTH > 9203 Indigenous Health > 920301 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health - Determinants of Health @ 50% 92 HEALTH > 9204 Public Health (excl. Specific Population Health) > 920414 Substance Abuse @ 50%
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