Opinion - American Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health (2023)
Community-Based Approaches to Indigenous Health Promotion
Van Emmerik*Van Emmerik, Department of Life Science, Jacobs University Bremen, Bremen, Germany, Email: emmerik48@yahoo.com
Received: 03-Mar-2023, Manuscript No. AJPMPH-23-95862; Editor assigned: 06-Mar-2023, Pre QC No. AJPMPH-23-95862 (PQ); Reviewed: 21-Mar-2023, QC No. AJPMPH-23-95862; Revised: 28-Mar-2023, Manuscript No. AJPMPH-23-95862 (R); Published: 04-Apr-2023
Description
Indigenous health refers to the physical, mental, and spiritual well-being of Indigenous people. Indigenous populations worldwide face a wide range of health disparities, including higher rates of chronic diseases, mental health problems, substance abuse, and infant mortality.
Historical trauma and health
The trauma caused by colonization, residential schools, and forced removal of Indigenous children from their families has had a significant impact on Indigenous health. These historical traumas have led to intergenerational trauma, which has contributed to the high rates of mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), among Indigenous populations. Indigenous people often have to deal with the intergenerational trauma that affects their physical health, such as diabetes, heart disease, and cancer [1]. Historical trauma has also contributed to the high rates of substance abuse among Indigenous populations.
Social determinants of health
Social determinants of health are the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work, and age. Indigenous people are more likely to live in poverty and experience higher levels of unemployment, inadequate housing, and food insecurity. These social determinants of health are significant contributors to the health disparities experienced by Indigenous populations [2]. They also face systemic barriers to accessing healthcare, including geographic barriers and cultural barriers. These barriers can lead to delays in receiving appropriate medical care and lower rates of preventative health measures, such as vaccinations and cancer screenings.
Cultural competence in healthcare
Cultural competence in healthcare refers to the ability of healthcare providers to understand and respond to the unique cultural beliefs, values, and practices of Indigenous patients [3-4]. Healthcare providers need to be culturally competent to provide quality care to Indigenous populations. This includes providing care that is respectful of the patient’s culture and language and understanding the impact of historical traumas on the patient’s health. It also includes recognizing the importance of traditional healing practices and integrating them into the patient’s care plan when appropriate [5].
Indigenous-led healthcare
Indigenous-led healthcare refers to healthcare programs that are developed and led by Indigenous communities. These programs aim to address the health disparities experienced by Indigenous populations by incorporating traditional healing practices, language, and culture into the healthcare delivery model. Indigenous-led healthcare programs also focus on community-based approaches to health promotion and disease prevention. These programs are more effective in improving the health outcomes of Indigenous populations because they are developed and led by people who understand the unique challenges faced by their communities [6].
Community-based approaches
Community-based approaches to health promotion and disease prevention are essential for improving the health outcomes of Indigenous populations. These approaches involve working closely with Indigenous communities to develop health promotion and disease prevention programs that address their unique needs. Community-based approaches also recognize the importance of traditional healing practices and incorporate them into healthcare delivery models. These programs are effective because they are developed and led by Indigenous communities, which helps to build trust and engagement with healthcare providers.
Indigenous health is a complex issue that requires a multifaceted approach to address the challenges faced by Indigenous populations. Historical trauma, social determinants of health, cultural competence in healthcare, Indigenous-led healthcare, and community-based approaches to health promotion and disease prevention are all important solutions for improving the health outcomes of Indigenous populations. It is essential to continue to work towards building trust and engagement between Indigenous communities and healthcare providers to develop effective programs that address the unique needs of Indigenous populations.
References
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[Crossref]
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