Intervention research with American Indian, Alaska Native and other first nation peoples: an organ and tissue donation exemplar

• Main Author: Fahrenwald, Nancy
• Format: Moving Image (Video)
• Language: English
• Published: Claremont Graduate University. School of Behavioral and Organizational Sciences 2007
• Subjects: Donation of organs; tissues; etc.; Psychology; Applied; Health behavior; Indians of North America; Kidney transplantation; Canada; Indian; First Nations; Alaska
• Online Access: http://ccdl.libraries.claremont.edu/u?/lap,25

American Indians (AI) and Alaska Natives (AN) of the United States (US), and First Nations (FN) peoples of Canada, experience higher rates of many chronic diseases. While the burden of specific health issues differs by group, an increasing prevalence of cardiovascular disease and type-2 diabetes exists. For Northern Plains AI tribes of the US, rates of type-2 diabetes have reached epidemic levels. Research is needed to understand and address complex chronic health concerns for these groups, including efforts to resolve the disparity between need for kidney donation and donation consent rates. This presentation will describe an essential approach to intervention studies that incorporates participatory research principles and builds trusted partnerships with AI/AN and FN communities. The presentation will focus on the process and the outcomes of behavioral intervention research designed to increase intent to serve as an organ or tissue donor for Northern Plains AI tribes. Related future research needs for indigenous peoples of North American will be articulated.