Cultural Diversity in Health & Illness
Spector, R.E. (2009). Cultural diversity in health and illness (7th ed.). Upper Saddle River: Pearson.
Chapter: Health and Illness in the American Indian and Alaska Native population
This chapter introduces the background of the American Indian and Alaska Native population's traditional definitions of health/illness/healing, traditional methods of health maintenance and protection, traditional methods of health restoration, current health problems, and health disparities in morbidity, mortality rates, and in manpower.
The American Indian and Alaska Native people have long experienced lower health status when compared with other Americans such as lower life expectancy and the disproportionate disease burden.
Identify at least two contributing factors to the health of this population.
Identify one cultural-related health or healing tradition that also affects the health of this population.
Describe the each of the factors you identified. Elaborate on how they came into existence, how they affect health status, and what is being done to improve health and wellness.