Improving educational resources for smoking reduction for pregnant Aboriginal Australian and Torres Strait Islander women in rural areas


Adele Evans

Abstract

Currently, 47% of pregnant Aboriginal Australian or Torres Strait Islander women smoke during pregnancy, compared to 9.8% of the general population, this rate is higher in rural communities. Cigarette exposure during pregnancy leads to a multitude of pregnancy complications including lifeline morbidity and mortality for the child. Educational resources specifically tailored for pregnancy have been found to reduce smoking rate. Within the Aboriginal Australian and Torres Strait Islander community, there is preference for culturally targeted message regarding smoking cessation, especially within rural communities. The aim of this study was to explore the evidence for development, implementation and potential outcomes of educational resources to reduce smoking for pregnant Aboriginal Australian and Torres Strait Islander women in rural Australia. A systematised literature review over 12 search engines was conducted resulting in 21127 records identified, in which three studies fulfilled inclusion criteria. Professional perceptions from health professionals working in rural maternal Aboriginal Australian health across Australia were also gathered.

Our findings suggest that community engagement and empowerment are essential to developing relevant and culturally responsive resources. Further that is a large paucity of published research for the development and efficacy of educational resources for pregnant Aboriginal Australian and Torre Strait Islander women.