Learning Objectives: Attendees will be able to identify at least 3 important findings from the Tobacco In Portland Indians (TIPI) Survey.
Abstract: For most American Indian tribes, tobacco has a rich history as a sacred plant used traditionally for ceremonial and cultural purposes. Many American Indians continue to use tobacco in a sacred manor which does not include recreational or addictive behavior.
Problem/Objective: Nationally current tobacco use in American Indian/Alaska Native adults is an alarming 41%, which is the highest among all racial groupings. In the United States, approximately half the total 2.5 million American Indian/Alaska Native population live in metropolitan (urban) areas. Method: The Native American Rehabilitation Association (NARA) Tobacco Program in Portland, Oregon utilized the Tobacco In Portland Indians (TIPI) Survey to collect a convenience sample of tobacco information. The NARA Tobacco Program conducted the TIPI survey at Native American events and facilities around the Portland metro area, such as Pow-Wows and at the NARA Indian Health clinic. The TIPI survey included eighteen questions on secondhand smoke knowledge and exposure, smoking and smokless tobacco prevalence, personal policy on smoking, and traditional American Indian use of tobacco.
Results: There was no correlation between higher rates of smoking and those using tobacco traditionally; in fact, non-smokers had higher numbers of current users of traditional tobacco than smokers. Smoking prevalence for AI/ANs was similar to state data for AI/ANs. Discussion: By administering the TIPI survey, the NARA Tobacco Program was able to implement health education outreach on tobacco use. This project was able to go beyond just collecting survey data on tobacco, it established public health practice in the Portland AI/AN community.
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