Background: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mothers are four times more likely to continuing smoking through pregnancy than their non-Aboriginal counterparts. There is a range of factors influencing continual tobacco use including environmental context, lack of knowledge of smoking harms and cessation methods and lack of culturally targeted support[1].
Aims: This presentation will discuss the community consultation phases, development of resources and focus groups conducted for the implementation of the Indigenous Counselling and Nicotine (ICAN) QUIT in Pregnancy project. The project aims to address lack of service provider’s confidence in offering culturally appropriate supports to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mothers during pregnancy.
Methods: Participatory and collaborative methodologies were adopted for the development of study design, negotiated methods of implementation and resource development for a pilot study, governed by a Stakeholder and Community Aboriginal Advisory Panel. The project brings together a multi-disciplinary team of Aboriginal researchers, research assistants, Aboriginal medical services, and Aboriginal health workers to co-develop the study design and resources.
For Phase 1 of the study, focus groups in four states are being conducted with community members and health professionals to refine the co-developed resources and ensure acceptability for diverse Indigenous population. Groups will explore views about the ICAN QUIT in Pregnancy Project resources and opportunities to improve them for implementation of the project in various Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
Results: The integrated model of collaborative partnerships within the research project of ICAN QUIT in Pregnancy will be articulated as a means of co-creating health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
The outcomes of these focus groups lead by a female Aboriginal Research Assistant will be described.
Conclusion: ICAN QUIT in Pregnancy proposes a strength-based model for collaborative development. If successful the pilot study will be followed by a randomised control trial of ICAN QUIT in Pregnancy.