Urban American Indian Clinic Smoking Cessation Program.

Abstract

Background: Cigarette-smoking disparities continue to exist among minority groups of adults, particularly American Indians, who had the highest prevalence of cigarette smoking at 24% in 2017.

Objective: Implement a nurse practitioner-led smoking cessation pilot program at an urban American Indian health center.

Methods: The cessation program is based on the "Treating Tobacco Use and Dependence" clinical practice guideline with incorporation of motivational interviewing, and is guided by the Transtheoretical Model of Health Behavior Changes. The program consisted of ten sessions: one in-person visit and nine telephone sessions over the course of eight weeks. Evaluation of project objectives was achieved through the collection of qualitative and quantitative data via weekly phone counseling sessions and a final follow-up phone call.

Results: Among program participants (n = 5), three achieved complete cessation, one decreased their smoking behavior, and one experienced no change in smoking behavior.

Conclusions: Although the program is effective among participants who completed the program, attrition was a significant issue requiring potential future changes to the program design.