Methods: This project was designed as a descriptive study. The research universities and tribal colleges’ Institutional Review Boards determined to study to be exempt. The inclusion criteria were that participants had to be self-reported American Indian, at least a part time student at the TCU and 18 years of age or greater. The twenty two multiple choice questions queried respondents regarding their access to, use of, and preferences regarding cell phone use for health education and promotion purposes. Participants were recruited at the tribal college by student workers and researchers. Participants were given $10 after completion of the survey. 200 paper/pencil surveys were gathered from two tribal college sites.
Results: Approximately 36% of tribal college students reported smoking. The mean age for tobacco use initiation was 15.7 years, with a range of 8 – 30 years. 98% of students had access to a computer, although less than 60% had access every day. 91% had a cell phone, but not all had unlimited text. Half of the respondents stated they would be interested in participating in a smoking cessation study using cell phones. Variations in characteristics of students and responses was assessed by RUCA code and statistically significant differences identified. Results of the surveys were reviewed and approved by tribal college presidents.
Conclusion: Tobacco use in rural and tribal communities continues to be high, making the development of tobacco cessation strategies that can effectively reach rural populations a priority. Students at tribal colleges in rural settings had less access to mobile communications and technology than students in universities and community colleges. Internet and cellphone use and access varies based on system infrastructure and community placement. Effective development and deployment of health education and promotion requires knowledge of the access to and acceptability of content by priority users.