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Abstract #161691

Larry Murillo, DrPH, MPH, MS, School of Medicine/Psychiatry, Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Oregon Health and Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, GH 249, Portland, OR 97239-3098, 503-418-2166, murillol@ohsu.edu

Few studies have examined specific traditional health practices (THP) used in American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) health programs. THP is the practice of medicine people and the AI/AN community through the use of cultural values, practices and knowledge. The purpose of this AI/AN THP research is to raise consideration of culture-based intervention as a legitimate option and examine how cultural health beliefs and practices are being used to reduce the health disparity of AI/AN communities. The discussion focuses on AI/AN THP as a viable health intervention that complements existing medical based health care. The use of THP has initiated an interactive role of cultural connection for the AI/AN health agency, the medicine people and the local community. Factors that affect the development of a THP program are identified. A brief discussion of community issues and a description of THP activities are listed for participants.

Learning Objectives:

• List three types of American Indian traditional health practices.
• Identify three current issues that affect the use of traditional health practices in American Indian health settings.
• Articulate at least one reason why traditional health practices are necessary to address health disparity of American Indians.

Keywords: American Indians, Culture

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No
Any institutionally-contracted trials related to this submission?

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.