Beliefs and Values Regarding Children Care
The American Indian children have different beliefs and values regarding the care of children with chronic illness, abuse, substance abuse, and mental illness. These beliefs and values have influence on how parents and caregivers approach the treatment and management of these conditions (Joe et al., 2019). For instance, parents may place strong emphasis on the importance of maintaining a healthy diet and using natural remedies to treat illness. In these case, parents and caregivers are more likely to use herbal remedies, or other natural alternative therapies to manage these conditions in children.
In addition, the American Indian Children cultures might recommend high levels of cleanliness and hygiene to prevent illness. Hence parents are more likely to implement strict practices, such as frequent handwashing and disinfecting surfaces, to prevent the spread of infections (Joe et al., 2019). Still, families are more likely to advice children to seek healthcare intervention from trained herbal professionals. Therefore, it would be difficult for, parents and caregivers to access medical services for their children in modern healthcare facilities.
America Indian Children cultural beliefs and values can also influence how parents and caregivers approach the issue of substance abuse and mental illness in children. Sometimes association with any abuse or substance abusive child may result in stigmatization. As a result, this causes parents and caregivers to avoid seeking treatment or to rely on traditional remedies rather than seeking professional help (Joe et al., 2019). alternatively, some parents and caregivers may be more open to seeking help and more willing to access mental health services for their children.
Traditions Related to Chronic Illness
The culture of American Indian children have customs and traditions related to the care of children with chronic illness, abuse, substance abuse, and mental illness. These customs and traditions vary, but some common practices may include the following:
The culture of the American Indian children have traditional healing practices that are used to treat chronic illness in children. These practices may include the use of herbal remedies, or other alternative therapies (Kazmi et al., 2022). Parents and caregivers mostly tend to rely on these traditional practices instead of seeking medical treatment.
American Indian Children culture often place a strong emphasis on the importance of family and community support. In the case of chronic illness, abuse, substance abuse, or mental illness, children may be supported by extended family members and community members who can provide care and support.
Some American Indian communities may use cultural activities and practices, such as drumming, singing, or dancing, to help children cope with chronic illness, abuse, substance abuse, or mental illness (Kazmi et al., 2022). These activities may be seen as a way to promote healing and wellness to affected children.
Many American Indian communities have traditional spiritual practices that are used to help children cope with mental health issues or other challenges. These practices may include prayer, meditation, or other spiritual interventions such as offering animal sacrifices (Kazmi et al., 2022). Therefore, parents are more likely to depend on these traditional practices rather than seeking professional assistance trying to seek spiritual help for their children.
Languages Most Common to American Indian Cultures
The term “American Indians” refers to the indigenous peoples of the United States, and includes a diverse group of individuals and communities with a rich history and culture. These communities have their own unique languages and traditions, and continues to use and preserve them up to date (Mallery, 2018). Some American Indian languages are still spoken as a first language by members of certain communities, while others are considered endangered and are being revitalized by language preservation efforts. In some cases, American Indians use English or other languages in addition to their traditional languages (Mallery, 2018). It is important to respect the language and cultural traditions of American Indian communities and to support efforts to preserve and revitalize these traditions.
Sources for Children with Chronic Illnesses
The sources of emotional and physical support for children with chronic illnesses, abuse, substance abuse and mental illness varied depending on the child’s specific situation, cultural beliefs and practices of the community in which they live. In some cases, emotional and physical support for children with chronic illnesses came from family members, friends, and other members of the community (Felitti et al., 2019). The support took different forms such as providing care and assistance with daily tasks, offering emotional support and encouragement, and helping the child and their family access necessary medical care and other resources. In other cases, children with chronic illnesses received support from traditional doctors. These doctors provided herbal treatment and care, as well as emotional support and guidance for the child and their family (Felitti et al., 2019). Additionally, many communities had organizations and programs in place to support children and families dealing with chronic illness, abuse, substance abuse, and mental illness. These organizations and programs provided a range of services, including counseling, support groups, and access to health care.
Dangers Related to Child Sex Trafficking
Child sex trafficking is a serious issue that interfered with the culture American Indian Children. It involves the exploitation of children for sexual purposes, often through force, fraud, or coercion. Thus, it is a form of trafficking can have severe consequences for children, including physical and emotional harm, as well as long-term psychological trauma (Felitti et al., 2019). During war, children are at the danger of being left orphans as their parents go to fight. War can also be very dangerous, especially for children; in times of war, children may be exposed to violence and other traumatic events, and may be forced to leave their homes and families. They may also be at risk of being recruited as child soldiers, or of being caught in the crossfire of battles. When a child is homeless, they may be at risk of physical harm, exploitation, and other forms of abuse which is against the culture of American Indian Children (Felitti et al., 2019). They may also face challenges such as lack of access to food, shelter, and medical care, which can have serious negative effects on their health and well-being.
The Primary Care Decision-Maker
In American Indian children culture, the primary healthcare decision-maker is typically the child’s parents or guardians. They are responsible for seeking healthcare for their child and making decisions about their medical care. In some cases, the child may also have a say in their healthcare decisions, depending on their age and ability to understand and make informed decisions. In some tribes, the child’s extended family or community may also play a role in the decision-making process.
Practice Recommendations
It is important for healthcare professionals to take into account cultural needs when offering practice suggestions to patients. This can help to ensure that the suggested practices are both effective and appropriate for the patient’s cultural background. Some steps that healthcare professionals can take to meet the specific cultural needs of patients while also following standard nursing protocols include:
- Researching and understanding the cultural beliefs, practices, and values of the patient’s culture. This can help healthcare professionals to identify any potential barriers to care and to develop strategies to overcome them.
- Communicating with patients in a respectful and culturally sensitive manner. This can involve using interpreters, if necessary, and avoiding stereotypes or assumptions about the patient’s culture.
- Providing education and information to patients in a way that is relevant to their culture and context. This can involve using culturally appropriate materials and examples, and explaining medical concepts in a way that is easy for the patient to understand.
- Communicating with patients in a respectful and culturally sensitive manner. This can involve using interpreters, if necessary, and avoiding stereotypes or assumptions about the patient’s culture.
- Providing education and information to patients in a way that is relevant to their culture and context. This can involve using culturally appropriate materials and examples, and explaining medical concepts in a way that is easy for the patient to understand.
References
Felitti, V. J., Anda, R. F., Nordenberg, D., Williamson, D. F., Spitz, A. M., Edwards, V., & Marks, J. S. (2019). Reprint of: relationship of childhood abuse and household dysfunction to many of the leading causes of death in adults: the adverse childhood experiences (ACE) study. American journal of preventive medicine, 56(6), 774-786. Web.
Joe, A., McElwain, C., Woodard, K., & Bell, S. (2019). A call for culturally-relevant interventions to address child abuse and neglect in American Indian communities. Journal of racial and ethnic health disparities, 6(3), 447-456. Web.
Kazmi, T., Chatha, Z., Arshad, T., Muneeb, M., Afzal, S., & Javed, R. (2022). Prevailing parenting styles among parents of children below 15 years of age, in Lahore. Asian Journal of Allied Health Sciences (AJAHS), 7(1). Web.
Mallery, G. (2018). Sign Language among North American Indians: Compared with That among Other Peoples and Deaf-Mutes. e-artnow.