From the Guidelines
Smoking cessation interventions should be provided to all patients in American Samoa, as the territory has one of the highest smoking rates in the Pacific region, with approximately 27% of adults being current smokers, according to the most recent evidence 1. To create an effective presentation on smoking in American Samoa, I would focus on the following key points:
- Prevalence of tobacco use: American Samoa has a high smoking rate, with approximately 27% of adults being current smokers, which is a significant public health concern 1.
- Unique cultural factors: Traditional practices and social norms in American Samoa may contribute to smoking behaviors, and these factors should be taken into account when developing health promotion strategies 1.
- Health impacts: Smoking is linked to higher rates of cardiovascular disease, respiratory conditions, and certain cancers in the Samoan population, which can be addressed through targeted interventions 1.
- Economic burden: Healthcare costs for smoking-related illnesses strain the territory's limited healthcare resources, making it essential to prioritize smoking cessation efforts 1.
- Current tobacco control efforts: The presentation would cover public health campaigns, smoke-free policies, and cessation programs available to residents in American Samoa, highlighting the importance of evidence-based interventions 1. Some key strategies for smoking cessation in American Samoa include:
- Asking every patient about tobacco use and encouraging them to stop using tobacco, as recommended by the US Preventive Services Task Force 1.
- Providing interventions to quit smoking, such as behavioral and pharmacotherapy interventions, which have been shown to be effective in helping adults quit smoking 1.
- Using culturally appropriate approaches, such as incorporating Samoan language terms and acknowledging traditional values, to make health promotion strategies more effective in this specific cultural context 1.
From the Research
Smoking in American Samoa
- Smoking is a significant health concern in American Samoa, with a high prevalence of smoking among the population 2.
- According to a study published in 2005, approximately 26.6% of Samoans were current smokers, with 31.4% of men and 22.5% of women currently smoking 2.
- The study also found that more current smokers were found in American Samoa (28.9%), followed by Hawaii (26.9%) and Los Angeles (24.1%) 2.
Smoking Cessation
- Smoking cessation is a challenging task, and various pharmacotherapies have been developed to aid in the process 3, 4, 5.
- Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), bupropion, and varenicline are three FDA-approved medications for smoking cessation 3, 4, 5.
- Varenicline has been shown to be more effective in maintaining abstinence and reducing craving than bupropion and NRT 5.
- A study published in 2018 found that drivers to quit smoking in Samoa originate from concern regarding health effects, concern for family, and the costs of purchasing tobacco 6.
Cultural Factors
- Smoking is deeply connected to social life in Samoa, and efforts to reduce smoking need to be based on an understanding of Samoan cultural norms and priorities around family, social networks, and culture 6.
- A thorough understanding of smoking behaviors and cessation patterns is critical in efforts to reduce smoking, especially in resource-limited settings like American Samoa 6.