Introduction

Approximately 9 million American adults use two or more tobacco products regularly, referred to as dual or poly tobacco users. In Alaska, where tobacco is not native, approximately 20% of the population smokes cigarettes, and among smokers, 10% use two or more tobacco products. Previous research suggests that dual tobacco product use may be especially high among Alaska Native people. The current study examined cultural and demographic characteristics associated with dual tobacco use.

Methods

Alaska Native adults reporting daily smoking and identified with high blood pressure or cholesterol were recruited in the Norton Sound region of Alaska between 2015-2019 as part of a treatment trial targeting cardiovascular disease risk factors. Participants reported their tribal group, level of identification with their Alaska Native heritage, speaking of their tribal language, basic demographic characteristics, and past 30-day use of tobacco products in addition to smoking cigarettes.

Results

Participants (n=299) were 48.5% female and identified as Yup'ik (31.1%), Inupiat (60.5%), and other or multiple tribal group(s) (8.4%). Most participants (85.3%) strongly identified with their Alaska Native heritage. Past 30-day dual tobacco use was reported by 10.0%, specifically 9.0% chew/snuff, 1.3% e-cigarettes, and 0.7% Iq'mik. Multivariate regression models indicated that dual tobacco use was more likely among men (OR=3.35; 95% CI: 1.30-8.64), younger participants (OR range: 10.97-12.35; 95% CI: 2.33-57.86), those identifying as Yup'ik (OR=2.86; 95% CI: 1.13-7.19), and those who identified very little or not at all with their Alaska Native heritage (OR=2.98; 95% CI: 1.14-7.77).

Conclusions

Young men identifying as Yup'ik were more likely to use dual forms of tobacco. Stronger identification with one's Alaska Native heritage was associated with lower risk of dual tobacco use. The findings highlight cultural and demographic factors for further consideration and attention in tobacco cessation treatment interventions.

The perspectives of Alaska Native (AN) peoples are rarely represented in quality of life (QOL) research. AN representation and voice is imperative to mitigating health disparities and in health promotion for AN peoples. To address these gaps, a sample of 15 AN people (six male, nine female) was recruited to participate in stakeholder QOL research. Five focus groups participated in activities that led participants to identify 28 themes; qualitative data analyses led researchers to identify seven additional themes. All 35 themes were integrated and reduced to the following nine culturally-grounded QOL themes: family, subsistence, access to resources, health and happiness, traditional knowledge and values, acts of self, providing, sobriety, and healing. These themes reflect the values of the participants and are exemplars of a culturally relevant, community based participatory research approach. Future research and health service implications - such as future development of a measure of AN QOL to improve wellness in healthcare settings and beyond - are discussed.

Introduction

Innovations are needed for preventing cardiovascular disease (CVD) and for reaching diverse communities in remote regions. The current study reports on a telemedicine-delivered intervention promoting a traditional heart-healthy diet and medication adherence with Alaska Native men and women residing in the Norton Sound region of Alaska.

Methods

Participants were 299 men and women with high blood pressure or high cholesterol smoking daily who were randomized to receive telemedicine-delivered counseling and printed materials on diet and medication adherence or on smoking and physical activity. Intervention contacts were at baseline and 3-, 6-, and 12-months follow-up, with a final assessment at 18 months. Nutrition outcomes were the ratio of heart-healthy foods and traditional heart-healthy foods relative to all foods reported on a 34-item food frequency questionnaire. Recent and typical adherence for heart medications were self-reported.

Results

Intervention effects were significant for the heart-healthy foods ratio at 6 months only (p = 0.014) and significant for the traditional heart-healthy foods ratio at 6 months only for those aged 47+ (p = 0.031). For recent and typical medication adherence, there were no significant group differences by time.

Discussion

In a remote region of Alaska, telemedicine proved feasible and acceptable for engaging Alaska Native men and women in counseling on CVD risk behaviors. The findings indicate that more touchpoints may be necessary to impart comprehensive lasting change in heart-healthy eating patterns. Medication adherence group differences were not significant; however, medication adherence was high overall.