Key Informant Perspectives on Somali Adolescent Tobacco Use

Contextualizing Influences and Prevention Opportunities

Bibliographic Data

ID21650908
AuthorsApril K Wilhelm (0000-0002-1562-0400, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA, corresponding author), Rebekah Pratt (0000-0003-3561-8276, University of Minnesota), Rebekah J Pratt (University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA), Michele Allen (0000-0002-8783-7182, University of Minnesota), Michele L Allen (University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA)
Year2022
Volume49
Issue2
Pages304-312
Publication date2022-04-01
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueHealth Education & Behavior (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1090-1981 • E-ISSN: 1552-6127
PublisherSAGE Publications (PUBLISHER • US)
DOI10.1177/10901981211052892
PMID34713744
OpenAlexW3210361795
LanguageEN
Citations received2
References cited43

INTRODUCTION: Somali American adolescent tobacco use has increased over the past decade amid a high prevalence of tobacco use among Somali American adults. While established adolescent tobacco use determinants may apply for Somali youth, a deeper understanding of these influences is imperative to the development of effective prevention strategies for this population. This study aimed to identify risk and protective factors influencing Somali American adolescent tobacco use decision making and potential family and community roles in tobacco prevention. METHOD: We conducted 15 semistructured, in-depth interviews with 12 Somali and 3 non-Somali professionals serving Minnesotan metropolitan Somali communities in clinical, educational, religious, and other community organizations. Grounded Theory informed our data collection and analysis. RESULTS: Key informants cited three major influences on Somali adolescent tobacco use: evolving norms and increasing exposure to tobacco products in the United States, low risks perception, especially for waterpipes, and conflicting interpretations of faith. Informants highlighted the important roles of families in Somali youth tobacco prevention while acknowledging areas where families would benefit from greater support. Proposed sources of support included faith communities and nonparental, ethnically similar adult mentors. Informants acknowledged challenges to addressing youth tobacco prevention in clinics and underscored the importance of youth involvement in developing prevention strategies. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate Somali adolescent tobacco prevention efforts should address the evolving tobacco use exposures and norms, low risk perceptions, and clarify faith messaging. Effective strategies may include strengthening family-based tobacco prevention approaches that also engage faith and other community leaders along with youth themselves

Environmental health · Population · Public health · Somali · Tobacco control · Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health · Medicine · Nursing · Psychology · Smoking Behavior and Cessation · Substance Abuse Treatment and Outcomes

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