Adapting Evidence-Based Tobacco Addiction Treatment for Inuit Living in Ontario: A Qualitative Study of Collaboration and Co-creation to Move From Pan-Indigenous to Inuit-Specific Programming

Abstract

Settler introduction of tobacco to Inuit Nunangat (homeland of Inuit in Canada) has led to high tobacco use prevalence among Inuit. Inuit are moving from traditional territories to the province of Ontario to access resources, including health services. Indigenous-specific tobacco cessation approaches in Ontario lack cultural relevance among Inuit, as they often reflect First Nations and Métis worldviews. To improve effectiveness of tobacco cessation services for Inuit living in Ontario, materials reflective of Inuit culture and worldviews were developed through a community-based participatory approach. The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health collaborated with Tungasuvvingat Inuit and members of an Engagement Circle who work with Inuit or identify as Inuk (n = 25) to initiate a knowledge translation project aimed at co-creating a toolkit of Inuit-specific cessation resources. Development was guided by Two-Eyed Seeing, whereby Inuit and Western worldviews come together to support a strengths-based approach. The toolkit was evaluated through a pilot session and focus group with Inuit living in Ottawa who use tobacco (n = 13) and an online survey administered with a group of helpers who work with Inuit (n = 11). Analysis of qualitative data from the focus group and online survey highlighted five themes: choice, cultural relevance and safety, capacity-building, access, and impact. Focus group participants reported they learned quitting was possible and identified new strategies to quit through the session. Our findings emphasize the importance of engagement and co-creation with Indigenous Peoples to ensure cultural relevance and appropriateness of healthcare interventions.