At Least 500 Words Formatted And Cited In Current APA Style

At Least 500 Wordsformatted And Cited In Current Apa Style With Supp

The health disparities faced by Native American populations are a significant concern within the framework of multicultural health. Understanding how cultural, historical, and social factors influence health behaviors and outcomes is vital for developing effective nursing interventions and public health strategies. Based on Ritter and Graham's (2017) comprehensive overview of multicultural health and recent scholarly articles, this paper explores the relationship between cultural connectedness, mental health, and disease prevention among Native Americans, particularly focusing on the issues of suicide and HIV/AIDS.

The sense of belonging and cultural connectedness plays a crucial role in mental health outcomes among American Indians. Hill (2009) investigates how a sense of connectedness impacts feelings of belonging and their subsequent influence on suicide rates within this community. The study reveals that stronger cultural ties and community involvement serve as protective factors, reducing the likelihood of suicidal ideation and behavior. Hill emphasizes that a loss of cultural identity, often resulting from historical trauma and forced assimilation policies, contributes significantly to psychological distress and increased suicide risk among American Indian youth and adults. These findings underscore the importance of culturally sensitive mental health interventions that reinforce traditional practices, community engagement, and cultural pride (Hill, 2009).

Furthermore, the health disparities involving HIV/AIDS among Native Americans underscore the urgent need for tailored prevention strategies grounded in cultural awareness and historical context. Lowe (2007) highlights the deficiencies of conventional HIV/AIDS prevention programs that often neglect the unique cultural and historical experiences of Native communities. The author advocates for research and intervention models that are "historically grounded" and incorporate indigenous perspectives and traditions. Such approaches are more likely to resonate with Native populations, fostering trust and engagement in health promotion efforts. The integration of traditional healing practices with biomedical interventions demonstrates promise in addressing HIV/AIDS effectively within this demographic (Lowe, 2007).

The Indian Health Service (IHS) provides valuable insights into best and promising practices tailored toward improving health outcomes among Native Americans. The IHS emphasizes the importance of culturally appropriate care, community involvement, and the incorporation of indigenous healing practices within mainstream healthcare services (IHS, n.d.). These practices include respecting traditional medicine, engaging community leaders, and integrating cultural competency training for healthcare providers. Such initiatives not only improve patient satisfaction and trust but also enhance adherence to treatment and prevention programs. For example, culturally adapted mental health services have demonstrated effectiveness in reducing suicidal behaviors, while community-based HIV prevention programs that incorporate traditional teachings have shown increased uptake and engagement (IHS, n.d.).

In conclusion, addressing health disparities among Native Americans requires a nuanced understanding of their cultural context, historical experiences, and social determinants of health. Strengthening cultural connectedness and integrating traditional practices into healthcare services can mitigate mental health issues such as suicide and improve outcomes in HIV/AIDS prevention. Healthcare providers and policymakers must prioritize culturally grounded interventions and collaborate with community stakeholders to foster trust and engagement. By doing so, they can develop sustainable, effective health programs that honor indigenous traditions while promoting overall health and well-being within Native communities.

References

• Hill, D. L. (2009). Relationship between sense of belonging as connectedness and suicide in American Indians. Archives of Psychiatric Nursing, 23(1), 65-74. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apnu.2008.09.006
• Lowe, J. (2007). Research brief: The need for historically grounded HIV/AIDS prevention research among Native Americans. Journal of the Association of Nurses in AIDS Care, 18(2), 15-17. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jana.2006.05.004
• Indian Health Service. (n.d.). Best and promising practices | for providers. Retrieved from https://www.ihs.gov/approach/best-practices/
• Ritter, L. A., & Graham, D. H. (2017). Multicultural health (2nd ed.). Jones & Bartlett Learning.