Tag Archive for: Traditional Healing

The Relevance of Cultural Activities in Ethnic Identity Among California Native American Youth

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Authors: Kurt Schweigman et al.

Publication Year: 2011

Last Updated:

Journal: Journal of Psychoactive Drugs

Keywords: Academic Achievement; Cultural Activities; Enculturation; Ethnic Identity; Traditional Practices; Youth

 

Short Abstract: This study analyzed data from a large statewide sample of Native American adolescents throughout California to determine whether participation in cultural practices was associated with stronger ethnic identity. The Multigroup Ethnic Identity Measure (MEIM) scale was used to measure the ethnic identity of 945 Native American adolescents (416 male, 529 female) aged 13 – 19 across California.

 

Abstract: This study analyzed data from a large statewide sample of Native American adolescents throughout California to determine whether participation in cultural practices was associated with stronger ethnic identity. The Multigroup Ethnic Identity Measure (MEIM) scale was used to measure the ethnic identity of 945 Native American adolescents (416 male, 529 female) aged 13 – 19 across California. Respondents who participated in cultural activities including pow-wows, sweat lodge, drum group and roundhouse dance reported significantly higher Native American ethnic identity than their counterparts who did not take part in cultural activities. The association between cultural activities and ethnic identity was only significant among urban youth and not among reservation youth. Higher grades in school were associated with ethnic identity among females but not among males. Findings from this study show a strong association between cultural activities and traditional practices with tribal enculturation among Native American youth in California. Cultural-based practices to enhance Native identity could be useful to improve mental and behavioral health among Native American youth.

 

Source: Link to Original Article.

Funding:

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Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3738746/

Type of Resource: Peer-reviewed scientific article

Traditions and Connections for Urban Native Americans (TACUNA): Utilizing community-based input to develop an opioid prevention intervention for urban American Indian/Alaska Native emerging adults

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Authors: Daniel L. Dickerson, Elizabeth J. D'Amico, Alina Palimaru, et al.

Publication Year: 2022

Last Updated:

Journal: Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment

Keywords: Cultural Sensitivity and Appropriateness; Data Collection

 

Short Abstract: Introduction: Although approximately 70% of American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) people reside in urban areas, very few opioid prevention interventions exist for urban AI/AN emerging adults. The study team conducted this study to develop Traditions and Connections for Urban Native Americans (TACUNA), a new opioid prevention intervention for urban AI/AN emerging adults ages 18–25. TACUNA comprises three 2-hour virtual workshops.

 

Abstract: Introduction: Although approximately 70% of American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) people reside in urban areas, very few opioid prevention interventions exist for urban AI/AN emerging adults. The study team conducted this study to develop Traditions and Connections for Urban Native Americans (TACUNA), a new opioid prevention intervention for urban AI/AN emerging adults ages 18–25. TACUNA comprises three 2-hour virtual workshops. Methods: We conducted thirteen focus groups in three urban communities in northern, central, and southern California (six with urban AI/AN emerging adults ages 18–25 [n = 32], four with parents [n = 26], and three with providers [n = 33]) to identify relevant intervention domains. We then incorporated the results of a rapid analysis of the focus groups to develop intervention workshops followed by a pilot test (n = 15) to further refine the intervention and assess feasibility. Results: Four major domains emerged from focus groups: 1) historical trauma/cultural identity, 2) AI/AN traditional practices, 3) social networks, and 4) substance use. We incorporated all feedback relating to each theme to enhance content of the TACUNA intervention. Pilot test participants felt that TACUNA content was interesting, addressed their issues and concerns as urban AI/AN emerging adults, and believed that the program could help them to establish cultural and social connections to live healthier lives. Conclusions: Research activities demonstrate how a community-informed and culturally grounded opioid prevention intervention can be developed for urban AI/AN emerging adults. Addressing issues and challenges with culturally and developmentally relevant intervention content can help to build resilience and hopefully decrease opioid use among this underserved population.

 

Source: Link to Original Article.

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Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9187599/

Type of Resource: Peer-reviewed scientific article

U.S. National Institutes of Health 2019 Traditional Medicine Summit Report: Maintaining and Protecting Culture Through Healing

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Authors: National Institutes of Health (NIH) Tribal Health Research Office

Publication Year: 2019

Last Updated:

Journal:

Keywords: Cultural Sensitivity and Appropriateness; Data Collection; Federal Health Care

 

Short Abstract: In November 2019, the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) Tribal Health Research Office (THRO)—with the NIH National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Office of Tribal Affairs and Strategic Alliances (OTASA)—brought the biomedical research and traditional medicine communities together in a first-of-its-kind meeting: The 2019 Traditional Medicine Summit: Maintaining and Protecting Culture Through Healing.

 

Abstract: In November 2019, the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) Tribal Health Research Office (THRO)—with the NIH National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Office of Tribal Affairs and Strategic Alliances (OTASA)—brought the biomedical research and traditional medicine communities together in a first-of-its-kind meeting: The 2019 Traditional Medicine Summit: Maintaining and Protecting Culture Through Healing. The Summit was a positive, supportive forum for 40 traditional medicine and Native health care practitioners, medicine men and women, and American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) researchers to discuss traditional healing practices and health services, and how biomedical research can support Native communities around these sacred methods. The 2.5-day event consisted of public sessions with presentations from NIH- and CDC funded researchers, a closed session for traditional medicine practitioners and invited guests, and a joint public session. Participants took turns talking and listening to identify approaches for respectful collaboration between traditional healers and health researchers. They also explored relationships between traditional medicine and health care services, and ways to connect younger generations of AI/AN people to traditional medicine, integrative health care, and academic research. These conversations created a foundation for the different groups to build on and work together to improve Native health now and in the future. This report provides background on the Summit and highlights discussions and themes that emerged from the public sessions. For additional information, please email throinfo@nih.gov.

 

Source: Link to Original Article.

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Source: https://dpcpsi.nih.gov/sites/default/files/NIH-THRO-2019-Traditional-Medicine-Summit-Report.pdf

Type of Resource: Summit Report

Making Amends: Recommended Strategies and Actions to Improve the Health and Safety of American Indian and Alaska Native Mothers and Infants

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Authors: U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Advisory Committee on Infant and Maternal Mortality (ACIMM)

Publication Year: 2022

Last Updated: December 2022

Journal:

Keywords: Awareness; Ethnicity; Federal Health Care; Health Care Access; Health Disparities; IHS; Infant Mortality; Medicare; Medicaid; Minority Groups; Misclassification of AI/AN; Pregnancy; Women's Health; Social Determinants of Health

 

Short Abstract: Report submitted in to US HHS Secretary with recommendations for the federal government to reconcile past actions and step up to the obligations to American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/AN). Recommendations are based on the findings of previous reports on the health of AI/AN people, populations, and communities, ACIMM’s analysis of maternal health and birth outcome-related data, presentations by representatives of federal health programs, and the testimony and input of over 88 individuals with relevant lived and professional experience.

 

Abstract: Report submitted in to US HHS Secretary with recommendations for the federal government to reconcile past actions and step up to the obligations to American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/AN). Recommendations are based on the findings of previous reports on the health of AI/AN people, populations, and communities, ACIMM’s analysis of maternal health and birth outcome-related data, presentations by representatives of federal health programs, and the testimony and input of over 88 individuals with relevant lived and professional experience. 59 strategies are offered to support three overarching recommendations: I. Make the health and safety of AI/AN mothers and infants a priority for action. II. Improve the living conditions of AI/AN mothers and infants and assure universal access to high quality healthcare III. Address urgent and immediate challenges that disproportionately affect AI/AN women before, during, and after pregnancy.

 

Source: Link to Original Article.

Funding:

Code:

Source: https://www.hrsa.gov/sites/default/files/hrsa/advisory-committees/infant-mortality/birth-outcomes-AI-AN-mothers-infants.pdf

Type of Resource: Report

Traditional Food Intake is Positively Associated with Diet Quality Among low income, urban Alaska Native Women

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Authors: Amanda Walch, PhD, MPH, RDN, Andrea Bersamin, PhD

Publication Year: 2020

Last Updated:

Journal: Journal of Hunger and Environmental Nutrition

Keywords: Nutrition; Population Information; Women's Health

 

Short Abstract: Background: Purpose of Study: The purpose of the study was to understand the relationship between food security, traditional food intake, and diet quality in urban Alaskan Native women.

 

Abstract: Background: Purpose of Study: The purpose of the study was to understand the relationship between food security, traditional food intake, and diet quality in urban Alaskan Native women. Type of Info: Data Method: Participants were given two 24-hour dietary recalls, a food frequency questionnaire adapted to include traditional Alaskan Native food, and the USDA Adult Food Security Survey. Diet quality was assessed by using the Healthy Eating Index. Sample: 73 urban Alaskan Native women enrolled in the WIC program, that were 18 years or older and who were not pregnant or lactating. Results: 50.6% of participants were food insecure over the last 12 months. Regression analysis indicated that higher diet quality was significantly associated with higher traditional food intake. Overall traditional food intake was low, with an average of 4% of daily calories coming from traditional foods in participants' diets. Diet quality was poor in participants, with an average diet quality score of 48 points out of a possible 100 on the Healthy Eating Index (HEI), anything below 51 points on the HEI is considered poor diet quality. A 10% increase in traditional foods (195kcal/day) had the potential to raise a participant's score on the HEI by 7.3 points. Limitations/Things to Know: This study had a small and non-random sample. Conclusion: Consistent and reliable access to traditional foods through urban programs/policies for low-income Alaska Natives is important to enhancing this population's diet quality and overall health.

 

Source: Link to Original Article.

Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9307134/

Type of Resource: Peer-reviewed scientific article

Traditional Food Practices, Attitudes, and Beliefs in Urban Alaska Native Women Receiving WIC Assistance

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Authors: Amanda Walch, PhD, MPH, RDN, Philip Loring, PhD, Rhonda Johnson, PhD, Melissa Tholl, BS, RDN, Andrea Bersamin, PhD

Publication Year: 2019

Last Updated: March 2019

Journal: Journal of Nutritional Education Behavior

Keywords: Nutrition; Population Information; Traditional Diet; Traditional Foods; Food Sharing Networks

 

Short Abstract: Background: Traditional foods play an important cultural role in AI/AN populations and have been associated with psychological and psychosocial health and well-being. Low rates of traditional food intake have been reported to negatively impact food security, diet quality, and overall health. It is unknown to what extent urban Alaskan Native individuals consume traditional foods and the knowledge and attitudes they have about traditional foods.

 

Source: Link to Original Article.

Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8731265/