Preventive services and satisfaction of Cherokee Nation patients.

This article assesses the relationship between receipt of preventive services and satisfaction in five clinics operated by the Cherokee Nation. Data are from personal interviews of 596 adult patients attending the clinics on consecutive days in 1995 and 1997. Analyses are based on 535 patients with complete satisfaction. Patients were most satisfied with communication, advice on how to stay healthy, and preventive care; there was less satisfaction with follow-up and continuity of care. Satisfaction was not associated with receipt of screening tests. However, patients who received advice or assistance with smoking cessation or dietary recommendations had higher overall satisfaction.

Measures of American Indian traditionality and its relationship to cervical cancer screening.

The goal of this study was to evaluate the relationship between culture and attitudes about cervical cancer screening among young American Indian women living and working in northeast Oklahoma. A cohort of 199 American Indian women, ages 18-40, were surveyed to determine their blood quantum, self-identification, and beliefs and practices regarding traditional behavior in order to develop a traditional behavior scale (the degree to which an individual maintained traditional tribal ways or behaviors). The use of this scale indicated that the degree of American Indian blood quantum, blood quantum for primary tribe, and self-identification are correlated to the traditional behavior scale. The scale, however, was unable to predict intention to get a Pap test. Results indicate that it is useful to understand the variation of traditional behavior within the specific population group to be served when planning and implementing culturally appropriate interventions for American Indian women. It is also useful to evaluate which segments of the population current programs are reaching.