In-Home Quit Support And Advice For Asian Smokers

In-home quit support and advice for Asian smokers

A free quit smoking programme targeting Asian households in parts of Auckland has resulted in a 100 percent reduction in smoky homes and almost half the participants stopping smoking.

Ninety-three Asian people in 87 households took part in the programme, and every home and all but two cars were smokefree by the end, compared to 16 homes and almost two-thirds of cars which were not smokefree before the intervention.

The self-reported quit rate was 72 percent at one month, almost 54 percent at three months and 41 percent at six months.

Language and cultural differences mean Asian people do not always find mainstream smoking cessation services accessible or effective. The Waitemata-based Asian Smokefree Communities programme began in April 2006 and provides people wanting to quit smoking with nicotine replacement therapy, counseling, telephone support, home visits and resource information.

The service is being used as a model for other Asian health issues and more than 92 percent of clients said they would recommend the service, which delivered support in 30 languages or dialects, to family or friends.

The pilot service is a partnership between Auckland Regional Public Health Service (ARPHS), Harbour Primary Health Organisation (HPHO) and Waitemata District Health Board's Asian Health Support Service (AHSS) and Health Gain team.

The Asian Smokefree Communities programme is one of six Auckland finalists in the 2007 New Zealand Health Innovation Awards (HIA). It will be competing against 21 other finalists.

The HIA, a joint endeavour of the Ministry of Health and ACC, were started in 2003 and recognise individuals and organisations that have developed new and innovative approaches to delivering better health services.

This year's HIA winners will be announced at the HIA expo and gala dinner held on 10 October at the Wellington Town Hall.

Further information about the HIA is available online at http://www.healthinnovationawards.co.nz

ENDS

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