The indigenous inhabitants of North America include such ethnic minorities as American Indians and Alaska Natives. Previously, these tribes experienced a lack of medical care, but now several medical programs have been created designed to assist American Indians and Alaska natives. Medical care, dental services, prevention of alcoholism and drug addiction, as well as educational programs about sexually transmitted diseases have become available for these tribes. In addition, the indigenous peoples of North America now have access to pharmacy products and medicines.
American Indians and Alaska Natives are located in the north of America. The population consists of visitors from various countries, as well as from indigenous residents of various tribes. American Indians and Alaska Natives have a relatively large number of obstacles to obtaining qualified medical care. In this regard, they often experience death from heart disease, diabetes, cancer. In addition, some tend to die from accidents during which injuries were sustained. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2019, this ethnic minority had a tuberculosis disease rate seven times higher than that of others. These statistics show that the lack of medical care harms the health of the entire ethnic group.
In most cases, representatives of these ethnic groups have two or more chronic diseases. This is due to the weak education of the population and low incomes. Adakai et al. (2018) claim that chronic diseases such as diabetes, cancer, obesity in American Indians and Alaska Natives are associated with heavy consumption of sugary drinks, insufficient motor activity, and smoking. A low standard of living leads to the appearance of bad habits, and this subsequently harms the body.
The indicators of the health status of this ethnic minority in comparison with other races are extremely low and negative. For example, obesity in American Indians and Alaska Natives is at the level of 76.7%, and in other races, 62,2%, diabetes 21% versus 8% (Adakai et al., 2018). Such indicators show that the life expectancy of this ethical group is low, and the need for medical support is high.
The leading food for the people of North America is fish, seabirds, land animals, and marine products. The problem, in this case, was that when glaciers melted, the natural habitat of animals was disturbed, and they lost valuable properties for the human body. Currently, the diet is full of fats, a considerable quantity of which harms the body. In addition to fats, a large amount of sugars contained in drinks contributes to obesity and the development of diabetes.
American Indians and Alaska Natives have a relatively large number of different barriers that prevent them from receiving medical care. Wille et al. (2017) claim that this ethnic group reported discrimination much more often than other minorities. In addition, there is an obstacle in the lack of the possibility of transporting patients to medical institutions. The political barrier is the lack of sufficient funding for medical care programs for patients of this ethical group from Congress. Additionally, the differences between this group and health care providers in values lead to conflicts that negatively affect cooperation. Several other problems need to be solved for all people to have the opportunity to receive medical care. To do this, it is necessary to draw the state’s attention to the problem of each ethnic minority.
To promote health, American Indians and Alaska Natives take various steps. For example, they are actively promoting anti-smoking. In addition, more and more people are beginning to get involved in physical activity to reduce stress and obesity and experience less suffering from heart disease. For the development of healthy children at the stage of being inside the mother, the state periodically sends doctors to monitor the child, the physical and mental state of the mother. This helps protect both the mother and the fetus from depression and other related disorders.
Prevention of diseases is divided into three levels: primary, secondary, and tertiary. Primary prevention is aimed at preventing the occurrence of the disease by excluding the pathogens of the disease. Secondary prevention is aimed at eliminating the current illness. Tertiary prevention is aimed at rehabilitation, treatment, and reducing the likelihood of complications after surgery. The classical approach to preventing diseases includes all three levels of prevention and is also the most suitable for this ethnic group.
The classical approach is most suitable for the prevention of the sicknesses of American Indians and Alaska Natives, since the diseases inherent in this group are quite common all over the world. That is, treatment and preventive measures consist of changing the race’s daily habits, and if they can change their lifestyle, the health of the entire group will significantly improve. In addition, for the well-being and minimization of problems with the health of the race, the state needs to actively involve doctors and nurses to work to save this ethnic minority.
When drawing up a care plan, it should be taken into account that this ethnic minority needs to coordinate and discuss its treatment plan with the tribal leader. It is essential to leave a small amount of time for discussion and not rush patients. This is required if the patient needs to sign a written consent for certain types of treatment. When treating a child, the nurse should show flexibility in offering therapy. It is necessary to give the child a choice and feel the consequences of it. This method of cognition is fundamental in the education of children of American Indians and Alaska Natives. Many tribal members use ritual chanting, dancing, and burning grass as part of the treatment. It is necessary to relate to this part of the culture with understanding.
The model of cultural competence is one of the most correct when working with patients of another race. The model focuses on respecting the cultural and racial characteristics of the patient. In addition, it focuses on the health features inherent in a particular race living in non-standard conditions. For the patient to have the opportunity to recover as soon as possible and improve their future life, it is necessary to provide them with the most favorable conditions of existence. Each patient values and respects their culture, customs, and traditions and wishes that the people around them are treated with respect.
In conclusion, there is no doubt that the ethnic minority has several problems related to health care. These issues need to be solved because a large number of people are suffering from existing health difficulties. The rest of the American Indians and Alaska Natives may be threatened by various acquired and congenital health problems. State authorities need to pay attention to the physical health of their residents and take all possible measures to protect their citizens and make their lives better. Furthermore, doctors and nurses who have been contacted by people of other ethnic groups should observe ethics concerning their patients. It is necessary to respect the culture and traditions of patients and do everything possible for their recovery.
References
Adakai, M., Sandoval-Rosario, M., Xu, F., Aseret-Manygoats, T., Allison, M., Greenlund, K. and Barbour, K. (2018). Health disparities among American Indians/Alaska Natives. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, 67(47), 1314-1318.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2019). Reported tuberculosis in the United States.
Wille, S., Kemp, K., Greenfield, B. and Walls, M. (2017). Barriers to healthcare for American Indians experiencing homelessness.Journal of social distress and the homeless, 26(1), 1–8.