Indigenous peoples often express beliefs and hopes about the future in their concern about the wellbeing of their child and adolescent tribal members. As a new century and epoch begins, there is a value in reflecting on the past and for projecting the future welfare of American Indian and Alaska Native adolescents.
Data collected during the last ten years in the National School Based Youth Risk Behavior Survey (NSBYRBS) can be used to assess trends in American Indian and Alaska Native adolescent health and wellbeing. The NSBYRBS is a component of the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (YRBSS) conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
This study looks at trends from 1988 to the present in risk factor areas of violence, attempted suicide, drug & alcohol use, sexual activity, and tobacco use. Tends identified in the NSBYRBS are compared with (a.) baseline findings in the American Indian Adolescent Health Survey of 1988 (middle/high school age), and with the (b.) National College Health Risk Behavior Survey of 1995. In addition to trends, a cross-tabulation analysis is used to identify current demographic characteristics related to risk behaviors.
Findings from this analysis reveal that, despite progress, American Indian and Alaska Native adolescents remain a vulnerable population in need of continued health and social service interventions.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, participants will be able to identify the trends in the five leading risk factors for American Indian and Alaska Native adolescents At the conclusion of this session, participants will be able to recognize the differences between the risk-factor related health status of American Indian and Alaska Native high school aged adolescents with American Indian and Alaska Native college aged adolescents
Keywords: Adolescent Health, 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.