Online Program

326112
Indigenous theoretical perspectives: Cultural elements for American Indian and Alaska Native substance abuse prevention programs and direction for future policies


Tuesday, November 3, 2015 : 8:30 a.m. - 8:50 a.m.

Margaret L. Walsh, MPH, PhD, Graduate School of Public Health, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA
Julie Baldwin, PhD, Health Equity Research Group, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ
Dinorah Martinez-Tyson, PhD, MPH, MA, Department of Community and Family Health, The University of South Florida, Tampa, FL
Mario Hernandez, PhD, Department of Child and Family Studies, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL
John Lowe, PhD, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL
The majority of current theories guiding substance abuse prevention programs stem from a Western ideology and typically lack Indigenous perspectives. There is a paucity of research on theoretical underpinnings of Indigenous perspectives in American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities and their potential role in substance abuse prevention programming. It is well known that when programs are theoretically connected to the communities in which they are implemented, they are more likely to be accepted, accurately measured, and sustained for longer periods of time. This study assessed perceptions on the role of theory in substance abuse prevention in AI/AN communities, with a primary focus on Indigenous perspectives in programming and potential future policy implications. A total of N = 22 in-depth interviews were conducted with key researchers in the field of substance abuse prevention in AI/AN communities, followed by N = 6  brief member check interviews to validate findings. Results provided evidence of a complex ideas characteristically not discussed in reference to substance abuse prevention programs and policy development. The study identified components of Indigenous theoretical perspectives that may guide current and future culturally appropriate and relevant substance abuse prevention programs in AI/AN communities. Cultural elements such as balance, holistic, social cohesion, and belonging were found to be particularly important and currently absent from many substance abuse prevention programs for AI/AN. Implications for future policies show a need for integration of Indigenous perspectives into substance abuse prevention programs for AI/AN communities.

Learning Areas:

Diversity and culture
Implementation of health education strategies, interventions and programs
Program planning
Social and behavioral sciences

Learning Objectives:
Describe Indigenous perspectives in relation to missing theoretical constructs of substance abuse prevention programs in American Indian and Alaska Native communities. Discuss the role Indigenous perspectives may have on future policies related to substance abuse prevention. Analyze current gaps in theories as related to substance abuse prevention programming and current policies associated with program funding.

Keyword(s): Prevention, Drug Abuse Prevention and Safety

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I conceptualized and conducted the research to be presented. My research and practice areas are substance abuse prevention in American Indian and Alaska Native communities.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

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.