What Are the Odds? Community Readiness for Smoke-Free Bingos in First Nation Communities

Abstract

Community members have identified second-hand smoke exposure among young women and children within First Nations communities as a concern. As part of a community-based research project, we analyzed experiences related to establishing smoke-free public spaces and the challenges related to smoking and bingo. The purpose of this study was to a) describe and compare community smoking at bingo in First Nations communities, and b) draw implications for assessing and supporting community readiness for comprehensive tobacco control policies (TCPs). Data were collected using individual interviews, group discussions, and observations in the community. The establishment of smoke-free public spaces in communities evolved out of concern by people traditionally responsible for the well-being of the community. Despite close proximity and similar socioeconomic contexts, readiness to extend these successes to bingos held in community halls was influenced by three main factors: a) economic drivers, b) the smoking majority, and c) grassroots support. Although models for assessing community readiness provide a useful starting point for understanding local TCP development and implementation in First Nations communities, other factors also need to be considered. Using a comprehensive approach to assessing community readiness has the potential to increase success in extending TCPs and practices in First Nations communities in ways that are culturally relevant, address local conditions, and build on existing efforts.

Assessing community readiness to reduce consumption of sugary drinks in remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities: A useful tool for evaluation and co‐design

“…Ongoing use of the adapted CRT by Apunipima within health promotion initiatives, most recently around tobacco smoking and physical inactivity, acknowledges the perceived benefits and usefulness of the tool in the Aboriginal community‐controlled health setting. In contrast to this study's positive experience using an adapted CRT to address sugary drink consumption, a study with First Nations communities in Canada discussed that the CRT did not adequately capture community factors impacting progress towards smoke‐free cultural events in their context 16 …”

“…In contrast to this study's positive experience using an adapted CRT to address sugary drink consumption, a study with First Nations communities in Canada discussed that the CRT did not adequately capture community factors impacting progress towards smoke-free cultural events in their context. 16…”

“…The CRT has been used widely in First Nations communities in Canada [16][17][18][19][20][21] and the United States of America (USA), [22][23][24][25][26][27][28] as well as in non-Indigenous communities. 12 Although guidelines for using the tool are stated broadly to facilitate the incorporation of cultural values, and local strengths and resources, 29 problems have surfaced when applying the standard CRT in First Nations contexts, globally.…”