A study of the use of free nicotine patches by Indigenous people.
OBJECTIVE
To assess use of free nicotine patches by Indigenous people when offered a brief intervention for smoking cessation, and to assess changes in smoking behaviour at six months.


METHODS
We conducted a pre and post study in three Indigenous communities in the Northern Territory.


RESULTS
Forty Indigenous smokers self-selected to receive free nicotine patches and a brief intervention for smoking cessation, and 71 chose the brief intervention only. Eighty-four per cent of participants were followed up; 14% of participants could not be located. Fifteen per cent of the nicotine patches group (10% with CO validation) and 1% (CO validated) of the brief intervention only group reported that they had quit at six months. Seventy-six per cent of the nicotine patches group and 51% of the brief intervention only group had reduced their consumption of tobacco. No participant completed a full course of patches. One possible side effect--the experience of bad dreams--was attributed in one community to the person concerned having been 'sung' or cursed.


CONCLUSIONS
Free nicotine patches might benefit a small number of Indigenous smokers. Cessation rates for the use of both nicotine patches and brief intervention alone were lower than those in other populations, possibly because the study was conducted in a primary care setting and because of barriers to cessation such as widespread use of tobacco in these communities and the perception of tobacco use as non-problematic.
Ivers
Rowena G
RG
Menzies School of Health Research, Northern Territory University, Casuarina, NT 0811.
Farrington
Melissa
M
Burns
Chris B
CB
Bailie
Ross S
RS
D'Abbs
Peter H
PH
Richmond
Robyn L
RL
Tipiloura
Eric
E
D000279:Administration, Cutaneous; D000328:Adult; D002248:Carbon Monoxide / Q000032:analysis; D003376:Counseling; D011307:Drug Prescriptions / Q000191:economics; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009538:Nicotine / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000191:economics; D015876:Northern Territory; D010349:Patient Compliance / Q000208:ethnology*; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D012907:Smoking / Q000208:ethnology; D016540:Smoking Cessation / Q000191:economics / Q000208:ethnology / Q000379:methods*; D000074606:Smoking Prevention; D012925:Social Conformity
D009538:Nicotine; D002248:Carbon Monoxide