Odo, Daniel BogaleHeris, ChristinaLovett, RaymondWhop, LisaBall, NicolaThandrayen, JoanneMcGuffog, RomanyMaddox, Raglan2026-06-132026-06-13https://hdl.handle.net/1885/733811320Objectives and importance of the study: To examine the trends in the annual rate of smoking cessation medicines (SCMs) supplied to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who smoke using dispensings by Services Australia from 2006–2019, and (2) to assess whether the provision of SCMs varies between regions supported by a Tackling Indigenous Smoking (TIS) program (aims to reduce and prevent smoking among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples) and those without TIS funding. Study type: Cross- sectional study; analysis of administrative data. Methods: Analysis of Pharmaceutical Benefit Scheme (PBS) and Section 100 Remote Area Aboriginal Health Services (RAAHS) claims data for SCMs supplied to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Annual rates of claims per 100 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander persons who smoke were calculated. The change in rate of dispensing between 2006–2019 was assessed using linear regression and the patterns in the number of dispensings in TIS and non-TIS areas were described over time. Results: From 2006–2019, 470,408 and 7,413 SCMs were dispensed under the PBS and under RAAHS program, respectively. Overall, the rate of dispensings per 100 persons who smoke increased from 1.24 in 2006 to 18.08 in 2019 for PBS (p<0.001) and from 0.30 in 2006 to 1.70 in 2019 for RAAHS (p<0.001). From PBS data, the Australian Capital Territory dispensed SCMs at the highest rate (1.50 in 2006 to 27.38 in 2019) and the Northern Territory the lowest (0.23 in 2006 to 3.41 in 2019). Under the PBS, 83% of dispensings were in TIS funded areas. A greater number of dispensings were observed in TIS-funded areas. However, rates could not be calculated for TIS and non-TIS comparisons due to limited denominator data. Conclusions: Uptake of SCM by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who smoke increased significantly between 2006-2019 (1.24 to 18.08 for PBS and from 0.30 to 1.70 for RAAHS per 100 people who smoke), with a greater number of dispensings observed in areas serviced by a TIS team. Access to medicines to support quit attempts is an important component of comprehensive tobacco control and may assist people to successfully stay quit.en2026