Stressful life events, resources, and access: key considerations in quitting smoking at an Aboriginal Medical Service

Abstract

Objective:

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people experience adverse health outcomes and have high rates of smoking and related illnesses. This brief report describes stress as a barrier to quitting smoking derived from reflections within an Aboriginal Medical Service and makes recommendations for intervention development.

Methods:

A high‐intensity smoking cessation program was conducted within a suburban Aboriginal Medical Service in Western Sydney, Australia, over a 10‐month period. The intervention included weekly cessation counselling sessions and dispensation of free nicotine replacement therapy (NRT).

Results:

During the observation period, 32 clients made quit attempts. To date, three clients (9%) have quit smoking. Chronic and intercurrent life stressors were noted to be the main barriers to smoking cessation described by participants.

Conclusions:

Achieving smoking cessation among Indigenous people is made significantly more complex because of multiple life stressors experienced.

Implications:

Future interventions targeting Indigenous Australians should take greater account of stressful life events and their impact on quitting smoking.