The impact of becoming or wanting to become smokefree for Māori

Abstract

Since the introduction of tobacco into New Zealand, smoking and smoking related illnesses have become more prevalent in the Māori population than New Zealand's general population. The aim of the present research was to investigate smoking from a Māori perspective. It was hoped this information would provide a better understanding of how Māori can become smokefree. The present research also investigated a number of possible benefits that could be obtained by Māori through becoming smokefree. These benefits were analysed through Mason Durie's Whare Tapa Wha model, a Māori holistic health model. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with four Māori people, two of whom were current smokers and two who were ex-smokers. Common themes emerged from these interviews including the social aspect of smoking for Māori and the influence of the enviroment on smoking behaviour. Suggestions were given to illustrate how the social aspect of smoking and the cycle that subsequently develops can be broken. Using the Whare Tapa Wha model and the personal accounts given, the benefits of breaking such a cycle were discussed. Lastly, the importance of nurturing smokefree environments, especially Māori environments, was outlined. The notion of being positive about becoming smokefree and the need to celebrate giving up smoking were highlighted throughout this research.