The effective of brisk walking to reduce smoking behavior among aboriginals in Taiwan-a preliminary study

Exercise appears to reduce smoking behavior, but no study has investigated the effects of exercise on aborigines. Smoking is a significant precipitant of health problems in the aboriginal population. The risk factors for smoking are critical issues nowadays. Therefore, it is crucial to provide health strategy so as to empower their ability of lessen smoking behavior to prevent lung cancer.

The purpose of this study was to explore the effectiveness of brisk walking intervention program reducing smoking behaviors among aboriginals.

A quasi-experimental study design with a one-group purposeful sampling was employed. A total of 72 aboriginal subjects were recruited from aboriginal tribes in northern Taiwan. Participation criteria excluded subjects who exercised regularly. Each subject underwent pre-test in order to set baseline, and obtained 7-weeks the brisk walking intervention program (30 minutes a day, 3 days a week). Data was analyzed by using descriptive statistics, and time effects were tested using generalized estimating equations (GEEs). A p value of less than.05 was considered statistically significant.

After 7-week exercise training program, after controlling the confounding variables, the results indicate that as the brisk walking progressed, the smoking behavior differed significantly as time decreases (p <.0001).

The findings of this study revealed that the brisk walking intervention program effectively reduces smoking behavior and waist circumference in aborigines. These findings can provide useful information as reference regarding of aboriginal health promotion to health providers. It is imperative that anti-smoking be reinforced for these regular smokers to prevent induced lung cancer.