Correlates of tobacco use among Native American women in Western North Carolina

Abstract

Objectives. This study examined correlates of tobacco use among Cherokee women. Methods. Prevalence rates were analyzed for 614 randomly selected Eastern Band Cherokee women. Results. The prevalence rates for current smokeless tobacco use and smoking were 8% and 39%, respectively. Smokeless tobacco use correlates included lower education and having consulted an Indian healer. Smoking correlates included younger age, alcohol use, no yearly physical exam, separated or divorced marital status, and lack of friends or church participation. Conclusions. Smoking rates among these women were slightly above national rates. The association of smokeless tobacco use with having consulted an Indian healer may help in understanding Cherokee women's smokeless tobacco use.