Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #117587

Janelle Palacios, BSN, School of Nursing, University of California San Francisco, 2 Koret Way, N411-Y, San Francisco, CA 94143-0606, 415 661-7650, jsagmill@itsa.ucsf.edu

Purpose: Early childbearing (having a child before age 18) is a common and poorly understood event among American Indian women. Early childbearing rates (ECB) are higher for American Indian women (53.8:1,000 live births) when compared to the total U.S. average (42.9) and other minority groups. Despite the high prevalence of identified risk factors (e.g. low income, low education attainment, and minority status) associated with ECB among this population, little is known about American Indian women's ECB experience. Currently there are no culturally specific frameworks that unify important historical American Indian events and the current contextual milieu situating American Indian women. This presentation aims to present a framework for understanding ECB among this population. Methods: This proposed conceptual framework to understand American Indian women's ECB experiences blends Historical Trauma Theory with the Weathering Concept. Results: Historical Trauma Theory enables us to understand intergenerational ramifications of the American Indian history. The Weathering Concept provides a framework for understanding American Indian women's individual experiences of early childbearing within the sociological context of their environment and manifestations of their experience as it relates to health disparities. Conclusions: By recognizing underlying historical legacies, and the context of American Indian women's experience, we can develop knowledge to assist us in providing the best and most comprehensive care for this population aimed at eliminating

Learning Objectives: Upon conclusion of this presentation each participant should be able to

• Distinguish the difference between Historical Trauma Theory and Weathering Concept.
• Identify key factors associated with each framework as applied to early childbearing American Indian women.
• Apply the unified conceptual framework presented when working with childbearing American Indian women and families.

Keywords: American Indians, Maternal Health

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.