Perceptions of ceremonial and nonceremonial uses of tobacco by American-Indian adolescents in California

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dc.contributor.authorUnger, Jennifer B.
dc.contributor.authorSoto, Claradina
dc.contributor.authorBaezcondi-Garbanati, Lourdes
dc.date.accessioned2019-08-14T14:59:39Z
dc.date.available2019-08-14T14:59:39Z
dc.date.issued2006
dc.description.abstractAmerican-Indian adolescents have the highest tobacco use prevalence of all ethnic groups in the United States. Although much has been written about the role of tobacco in traditional Native-American cultures, little is known about modern-day perceptions of tobacco among American-Indian adolescents. METHODS: This study conducted focus groups of 40 American-Indian adolescents in urban and rural areas of Southern California. Participants discussed the role of traditional ceremonial tobacco use in their lives, the use of commercial tobacco as a substitute for sacred tobacco, the perceived safety of traditional versus commercial tobacco, and the perceptions of American-Indian imagery in tobacco advertising. RESULTS: Many American-Indian adolescents may be introduced to traditional tobacco use at early ages. Smoking is viewed as a sign of respect for the elders, but there are acceptable ways for adolescents to participate in ceremonies without inhaling smoke. Commercial cigarettes often are substituted for homegrown tobacco at ceremonies and events. Traditional tobacco was perceived as less dangerous than commercial tobacco because it does not contain chemical additives. However, respondents still perceived that smoking traditional tobacco and breathing tobacco smoke conferred health hazards. Participants found the use of American-Indian imagery in tobacco advertising offensive and stereotypical. Indian casinos were mentioned frequently as places where smoking occurred. CONCLUSIONS: Continued health education efforts are needed to decrease habitual use of commercial tobacco products and secondhand smoke exposure among American-Indian youth. Further research is needed to identify ways for American-Indian youth to participate in their cultural traditions while minimizing their risk for tobacco-related diseases.
dc.description.urihttp://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1054139X05000741
dc.identifierhttps://doi.org/10.13016/s3k1-fkdy
dc.identifier.citationUnger, Jennifer B. and Soto, Claradina and Baezcondi-Garbanati, Lourdes University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, Alhambra, California, USA. (2006) Perceptions of ceremonial and nonceremonial uses of tobacco by American-Indian adolescents in California. Journal of Adolescent Health, 38. 443e9-443e16.
dc.identifier.otherEprint ID 552
dc.identifier.urihttp://hdl.handle.net/1903/22620
dc.subjectPrenatal & Pediatric Health
dc.subjectSmoking & Tobacco Use
dc.subjectResearch
dc.subjectAmerican-Indian
dc.subjectNative-American
dc.subjectadolescents
dc.subjectsmoking
dc.subjecttobacco
dc.titlePerceptions of ceremonial and nonceremonial uses of tobacco by American-Indian adolescents in California
dc.typeArticle

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