Utilization of “alternative” health care resources has received increasing exposure throughout the past decade. This issue has gained in importance due both to increasing recognition of the prevalence of use of such resources as well as their gaining acceptance by third-party payers. While anthropologists and other social scientists have long been interested in traditional native healing practices per se, information regarding their use in the larger context of our diverse health care system is lacking. While several studies have documented use of traditional medicine by urban-based American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/ANs), only one limited study has been published regarding reservation-based AI/ANs. This issue becomes more important when considering the delivery of health care to this most vulnerable group, who live in the most remote, sparsely populated areas of the country. In this presentation, the author presents for the first time information regarding the use of traditional healers by reservation-based AI/ANs. Using data from the 1987 Survey of American Indians and Alaska Natives (SAIAN), the findings show a significantly lower prevalence of use of traditional healers than those reported in urban settings. Significant predictors of use among SAIAN participants included English as a second language, poor or near poor poverty status, both low and high educational statuses, bed disability days, and annual family income. Self-reported health status was not a significant predictor of use. The author explains each of these factors in the broader context of contemporary movements and transitions in U. S. health care reform.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to: 1. Discuss traditional healer utilization by American Indians and Alaska Natives. 2. Describe individual characteristics associated with traditional healer utilization by reservation-based American Indians and Alaska Natives. 3. Understand study findings in the broader context of contemporary movements and transitions in U. S. health care reform.
Keywords: Health Care Utilization, American Indians
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.