American Indian communities suffer disproportionately from physical and mental health problems and have crippling problems with lack of services. Yet we have little hard data on individual service areas. This paper presents the results of a survey completed by the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community Department of Health and Human Services for health policy planning. The community consists of approximately 6,000 individuals. A structured interview was used with 155 families (261 children, 304 adults aged 18-64, and 38 seniors aged 65+). Children had the lowest rates of problems, yet 12% had some physical disability, 3% FACES, 12% learning disabilities or ADHD, 5% depression, and 13% asthma and visual impairments. One half of adults and 4/5 of seniors had a functional disability. One third of adults had visual impairments and diabetes; while about half of seniors had hearing impairments, visual impairments, arthritis, and diabetes. One fifth of adults had alcohol abuse, 6% depression, and 5 % drug abuse. Rates of mental health problems dropped for seniors to 16% for alcohol abuse and 3% depression. One fifth of adults and 1/3 of seniors had emotional problems that limited their ability to work. Inability to access glasses or medications was the most serious underservice. However, over 10% of seniors needed, but were also unable to access dentures, ramps, or walkers. Unmet transportation needs affected ¼ of all individuals, and 1/5 mentioned need for improved service delivery. Implications of the findings for allocation of scarce resources and policy planning will be discussed.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant will be able to: 1. List the extent of health and functional disabilities found in the SRPMIC community. 2. Discuss the service gaps in that community. During this session, faculty will discuss the process of implementing a local survey and then transferring that information into policy planning and action
Keywords: Disability, Health Service
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Department of Health and Human Services, Salt River Pima Maricopa Indian Community, Scottsdale, AZ
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.