Smoking cessation support strategies for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women of reproductive age: findings from the Which Way? study

Objective: To identify smoking cessation support strategies that resonate with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women. Design, setting and participants: A national cross-sectional survey of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women aged 16–49 years who were smokers or ex-smokers was conducted online during the period July to October 2020. Main outcome measures: Preferred strategies, providers and locations for smoking cessation support. Results: Among a total of 428 women who participated in the survey, group-based support and holistic support were the most preferred strategies (preferred by 31.8% and 22.2% of women, respectively). Use of an Aboriginal health service was positively associated with choosing holistic support programs (prevalence ratio, 1.14 [95% CI, ≥ 1.00–1.28]). Women with high or moderate nicotine dependency were more likely to consider group-based support to be helpful (prevalence ratio, 1.13 [95% CI, ≥ 1.00–1.27]) than those with low nicotine dependency. The most preferred providers for smoking cessation support were Aboriginal health workers (64.3%). Most women (73.4%) preferred face-to-face support at an Aboriginal health service, 38.8% preferred online support and 34.8% preferred phone support. A higher percentage of older women (≥ 35 years) preferred online or phone support (prevalence ratio, 1.70 [95% CI, 1.03–2.80]) compared with younger women (16–20 years). Use of an Aboriginal health service was positively associated with preference for an Aboriginal health worker (prevalence ratio, 1.35 [95% CI, 1.12–1.62]), and receiving face-to-face support at an Aboriginal health service (prevalence ratio, 1.28 [95% CI, 1.10–1.49]). Conclusion: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women prefer a range of cessation supports, with most women preferring group support and holistic approaches. Cessation supports that resonated with women varied by age, remoteness, nicotine dependence, and whether participants used an Aboriginal health service. Women want support to quit smoking from the Aboriginal health workers at their Aboriginal health service, at their health care providers and in their community. Comprehensive, multifaceted supports are required. Online support and phone-based support are also preferred by some women, which helps to increase accessibility. Appropriate models of care — including sufficient funding for Aboriginal health services and Aboriginal health workers — are required and should be developed in partnership with communities to implement meaningful and culturally safe cessation care. This research demonstrates the need for and importance of multifaceted, comprehensive cessation support strategies.