Question

Describe the health challenges of American Indian and Alaskan Native people in the United States, as well as their beliefs about causes of illness and healing practices.

Are there cultural steps that can help prevent their illnesses? How would you use a multicultural evaluation to assess their medical situation?

Answer 1

1) ans) American Indian and Alaska Native (Native) people experience more traumatic events and are at higher risk for developing posttraumatic stress disorder compared with the general population.
American Indians and Alaska Natives have long experienced lower health status compared with other Americans,They have lower life expectancy and disproportionate disease burden, perhaps because of limited educational opportunities, disproportionate poverty, discrimination in the delivery of health services, and cultural differences.”
American Indians and Alaska Natives continue to die at higher rates than other Americans in many categories, including chronic liver disease and cirrhosis, diabetes mellitus, unintentional injuries, assault/homicide, intentional self-harm/suicide, and chronic lower respiratory diseases.The report also finds that public health support is virtually non-existent for tribes, who often lack access to government-sponsored, accredited health departments, behavioral health facilities, or alcohol and substance abuse treatment facilities.

“Combine this with high rates of poverty, widespread historical trauma, and adverse childhood experiences, and the problems seem insurmountable,”

Alaska Natives and American Indians have healing practices that go back over 10,000 years and today these practices are beginning to reemergeHowever, presently there is resurgence in the use of traditional healing practices. Programs have been developed in which these practices are used by tribal doctors and Western trained allopathic physicians to incorporate Alaska Native values and beliefs for promoting health, preventing disease, reducing pain, and enhancing emotional wellness. A blending of elements of Alaska Native cultural practice along with Native American tribal practices is used by tribal doctors and traditional healers. Great diversity exists among various Alaska Native cultures with regards to beliefs and practices.

Tribal Doctors

Tribal doctors are generally employed by tribal health organizations in Alaska and are sometimes certified by a credentialing body. They may have completed a formalized training with an apprenticeship with a more experienced tribal doctor. Most may have restrictions with regards to practices that break the skin or use medicinal plants without concurrence from the referring allopathic physician.

Traditional Healers

Traditional healers are customarily identified by their community, work informally, and are considered to possess an inborn “gift” of healing. They sometimes continue to uncover their unique “gift” through apprenticeship and by observing more experienced healers. Many do not charge for their services but are given gifts as an expression of gratitude.

Healing Practices

Typical traditional healing practices include but are not limited:

Healing Hands (therapeutic massage)

Prayer (group or individual)

Cleansing (burning of sage)

Song and Dance (drumming circles)

Traditional Plant Medicine (for treatment of various ailments)

Culturally sensitive and supportive counseling (talking circles)

multicultural is something that incorporates ideas, beliefs or people from many different countries and cultural backgrounds Multicultural assessment focuses on the evaluation of individuals, taking into accounttheir cultural context.Assessment results influence educational opportunities, diagnosis, and employment.

Awareness.

Avoid Making Assumptions.

Learn About Other Cultures. .

Build Trust and Rapport.

Overcome Language Barriers.

Educate Patients About Medical Practices.

Practice Active Listening.