ABSTRACT
In this study, we respond to calls for strengths-based Indigenous research by highlighting American Indian and First Nations (Anishinaabe) perspectives on wellness. We engaged with Anishinaabe community members by using an iterative, collaborative Group Concept Mapping methodology to define strengths from a within-culture lens. Participants (n = 13) shared what it means to live a good way of life/have wellness for Anishinaabe young adults, ranked/sorted their ideas, and shared their understanding of the map. Results were represented by nine clusters of wellness, which addressed aspects of self-care, self-determination, actualization, community connectedness, traditional knowledge, responsibility to family, compassionate respect toward others, enculturation, and connectedness with earth/ancestors. The clusters were interrelated, primarily in the relationship between self-care and focus on others. The results are interpreted by the authors and Anishinaabe community members though the use of the Seven Grandfather Teachings, which provide a framework for understanding Anishinaabe wellness. The Seven Grandfather Teachings include Honesty (Gwayakwaadiziwin), Respect (Manaadendamowin), Humility (Dabaadendiziwin), Love (Zaagi'idiwin), Wisdom (Nibwaakaawin), Bravery/Courage (Aakode'ewin), and Truth (Debwewin).
Subject(s)
Indians, North American/psychology , Indigenous Peoples/psychology , Adult , Culture , Family/ethnology , Family/psychology , Female , Humans , Indians, North American/ethnology , Male , Personal Autonomy , Personal Satisfaction , Self Care , Social Participation , Social Responsibility , Young AdultABSTRACT
PURPOSE: To determine the prevalence of eye diseases and utilization of dilated eye exams among a sample of American Indian (AI) individuals with type 2 diabetes. METHODS: AI adults with type 2 diabetes utilizing health care at two reservation clinics were randomly sampled and recruited for interviewer-assisted paper surveys. The prevalence of eye diseases was compared across gender, age, income, and educational attainment. RESULTS: The prevalence of retinopathy, cataracts, macular degeneration, and glaucoma were 9.4%, 26.7%, 5.2%, and 10.6% respectively, and 59.2% reported past year dilated eye exams. Older participants were more likely to report cataracts (p < 0.001) and glaucoma (p = .003). Those with lower income were more likely to report cataracts (p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Rates of self-reported eye diseases in this sample were higher, and dilated eye exams lower than other samples of the general United States population with diabetes, suggesting improvement can be made to improve the provision of care for AI individuals with type 2 diabetes.
ABSTRACT
In this study, we investigated mental health service and provider preferences of American Indian adults with type 2 diabetes from two tribes in the northern Midwest. Preferences were determined and compared by participant characteristics. After controlling for other factors, living on reservation lands was associated with increased odds of Native provider preference, and decreased odds of biomedical service preference. Anxiety also was associated with decreased odds of biomedical service preference. Spiritual activity engagement and past health care discrimination were associated with increased odds of traditional service preference. We discuss implications for the types of mental health services offered and characteristics of providers who are recruited for tribal communities.
Subject(s)
Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/ethnology , Indians, North American/ethnology , Mental Health Services , Patient Preference/ethnology , Female , Humans , Male , Middle AgedABSTRACT
Positive mental health (PMH) is an important construct for understanding the full continuum of mental health. Some socially disadvantaged populations experience a paradoxically high level of PMH despite negative social experiences including discrimination. The purpose of this study is to examine the prevalence and culturally salient correlates of PMH among a cross-sectional sample of 218 American Indian adults living with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Although 17.1 percent of individuals in this sample met Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) criteria for depression, 51.5 percent were in flourishing PMH. Perceived discrimination was negatively associated with PMH, and participation in traditional cultural activities was positively associated with PMH. Traditional cultural activities did not appear to buffer the impact of discrimination on PMH. This study contributes to strengths-based research with American Indian communities, furthers our understanding of correlates of PMH, and documents comparatively high rates of flourishing mental health in our sample relative to previously published studies with diverse samples.
