Tobacco cessation experiences and needs: perspectives from Arabic-speaking communities

Abstract

Use of tobacco products is higher in Arabic-speaking communities in Australia, compared to other populations. 70 persons identifying as being from Arabic-speaking communities in Western Sydney participated in focus group discussions to explore experiences and needs relating to tobacco, alcohol and other drug treatment. Tobacco was rated as the substance of highest concern in this sample, however a pattern of change was observed. Widespread cigarette use supported by gendered norms that particularly encouraged smoking among men was shifting, with some decline in the social acceptability of cigarette smoking linked to experience of health impacts and the financial cost to families. In contrast, waterpipe tobacco smoking was described as a common and acceptable practice across age and gender cohorts, despite some participants challenging the cultural and health rationales of this practice. Preventing tobacco-related harm among younger populations was highly valued among study participants, drawing on strong support for families as key influencer of health behaviors. Cessation strategies viewed as effective among community members spoken with commonly centered upon the notion of individual willpower, and appreciated the disincentivising impacts of high taxation on cigarettes. This study prioritizes community-informed perspectives for reducing tobacco related harms amongst Arabic-speaking populations in Australia and offers direction to health promoters, public health workers and policymakers. Results indicate opportunities exist to improve tobacco control outcomes through strategies that align prevention and treatment options with relevant community beliefs and norms, and build on existing harm reduction behaviors and support seeking behaviors

Keywords:

• Tobacco
• waterpipe
• Arabic
• migrant

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank those who contributed to this study, particularly all participants who shared their time and knowledge; bilingual co-facilitators; the project advisory committee as well as study partners: Western Sydney Local Health District, Community Migrant Resource Centre and SydWest Multicultural Services.

Funding disclosures

This study was supported by funding from WentWest Primary Health Network. The Drug and Alcohol Multicultural Education Center received funding from Australian federal and state health departments.

Notes

1 All participants have been assigned pseudonyms to protect their anonymity.