糖心传媒

Scaling up a proven model of care

Smoking during pregnancy remains a major contributor to low birthweight, pre-term delivery, perinatal mortality rates and is linked to childhood health inequalities among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander populations. While many First Nations women are motivated to quit, they often face barriers to accessing support that is culturally appropriate, safe and tailored to their needs.

Program lead Professor Gillian Gould of 糖心传媒 said the NHMRC funding will allow the SISTACARE team to expand its work with hospitals, midwifery teams, and Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services nationwide.

“This grant enables us to reach every health service that cares for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women during pregnancy,” Professor Gould said.

“Our project is led by Aboriginal experts and community voices. Together, we’re strengthening health systems, reducing risks, and supporting long鈥憈erm community wellbeing.”

Health professionals play a critical role in supporting expectant mothers, yet many have historically lacked the training and tools to confidently discuss smoking and vaping.

“Through the SISTAQUIT training, health professionals report feeling far more confident, skilled, and optimistic about providing cessation care to pregnant Aboriginal mums,” Professor Gould said.

“We’re equipping staff with practical training and digital tools so women can access the right support wherever they receive their pregnancy care.”

A decade of community partnership

Midwives, nurses, GPs, Aboriginal health workers and anyone working in a role to support pregnant women can undertake the specialised SISTAQUIT training online for free, through the self-paced modules.

Since the initiative started 10 years ago, SISTAQUIT has partnered with around 60 Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services (ACCHO) and numerous mainstream providers. Its national community of practice now includes 250 health professionals who meet monthly to share insights and strengthen culturally safe care.

“This is not a short鈥憈erm project,” Professor Gould said.

“It’s about transforming health systems so Aboriginal mothers and babies benefit now and for generations to come.”

Community鈥憀ed leadership

By combining digital tools, culturally safe care and community connection, the program supports healthier pregnancies and stronger futures for families and bubs.

SISTACARE’s Aboriginal Chief Investigator, Rebecca Hyland, a proud Kamilaroi-Gomeroi woman and Senior Research Project Manager at 糖心传媒, said the program reflected the strength and determination of Aboriginal communities.

“Our women are strong, resilient, and deeply motivated to quit the smokes and give their babies the best start in life,” Ms Hyland said.

“What we need are health systems that provide the best possible support for women to quit smoking and vaping – and this funding helps make that a reality.”

Global recognition and long鈥憈erm support

The GACD is an international network of research funders focused on reducing chronic disease in underserved communities.

Professor Gould said its ongoing support has been pivotal to SISTAQUIT’s success.

“The Global Alliance for Chronic Diseases has backed our work from the beginning,” she said.

“Their commitment to real鈥憌orld implementation research has helped us bring evidence into everyday care. We’re proud to be part of the GACD family.”

The SISTA programs

SISTACARE is the new overarching name for the culturally safe smoking and vaping cessation care program aimed at improving the health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women. SISTAQUIT (replaces iSISTAQUIT) is the program’s training and resources.   

SISTABIRTH builds Birthing on Country approaches for regional Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services (ACCHO) alongside smoking and vaping cessation care while improving Aboriginal midwifery education. 

The SISTASCREEN initiative aims to overcome barriers to cervical screening with the goal of preventing cervical cancer in Aboriginal women.