Honors Program
Honors Program: Embargoed Theses
First Advisor
Lisa Kort-Butler
Second Advisor
Aislinn Rookwood
Third Advisor
Eli Ornelas
Date of this Version
2025
Document Type
Thesis
Citation
Rigatuso, Carmela. Literature Review of Culturally Relevant Tobacco Prevention Methods for AI/AN in the Northern Great Plains Region. Undergraduate Honors Thesis. University of Nebraska-Lincoln. 2025.
Abstract
American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/AN) are the largest consumers of commercial tobacco (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC] 2020). In the Northern Great Plains region, Lung Cancer Mortality is the highest for this racial group, more than any other region. The objective of this paper was to build on responses to the initial interview-based study. To indirectly address cancer readiness, this review sought to find effective programming and research methods related to tobacco use prevention and cessation that are culturally relevant to the American Indian populations of the Northern Great Plains Region by reviewing existing literature. This review identified four main themes in the literature that are important for establishing research and programming that is culturally relevant. These themes are understanding the cultural significance of tobacco, incorporating spiritual, cultural, and physical representation, adopting a community-based and strengths-focused approach, and addressing youth tobacco use through early prevention and trauma-informed strategies.
Comments
Copyright Carmela M. Rigatuso 2025.