”It’s changed my life. I’m not smoking anymore. I don’t want to smoke anymore”: Exploring the Acceptability of Mailout Smoking Cessation Support for and by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People

Abstract

Introduction Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people want to quit smoking. There is global evidence of combination Nicotine Replacement Therapy (c-NRT) alongside behavioural support as best practice approach to smoking cessation care. However, there is limited adherence and acceptability research regarding NRT and behavioural supports for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Similarly, there is limited research on what is considered culturally appropriate and safe support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to quit smoking. Methods This Aboriginal-led qualitative study explored the acceptability of the Koori Quit Pack. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander participants shared experiences of quitting with the mailout c-NRT program and behavioural cessation support through Yarning. Reflexive thematic analysis was used to develop themes. Results Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are motivated to quit smoking and have accessed cessation supports from health professionals. However, the support(s) received are not always appropriate or culturally safe. The Koori Quit Pack was deemed acceptable and useful for smoking cessation. Having access to smoking cessation care and knowledge of c-NRT helped people quit smoking, and support others to quit too. Conclusion A combination of NRT products alongside culturally responsive behavioural support(s), delivered through a mailout package was a beneficial strategy to help Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people quit smoking. National implementation of such a package could assist to accelerate reductions in tobacco use, helping meet national smoking reduction targets and improve health outcomes. Implications Cessation supports offered to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are not always culturally-safe or effectively delivered. The Koori Quit Pack provided Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with culturally-safe smoking cessation support delivered for and by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, demonstrating mailout smoking cessation supports as acceptable and highly valued. Mailout support eliminates accessibility barriers to cessation care while providing tools and knowledge to quit can lead to smoke-free behaviours among individuals and communities. Country-wide availability of this program can accelerate reductions in tobacco use, helping meet national targets and improve health outcomes consistent with the National Tobacco Strategy and the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control.