NAU publications by CHER
Faculty & staff publications
NAU faculty and staff have the opportunity to publish their findings and knowledge as authors. CHER has many researchers that have been cited multiple times in major publications for their great work. The Center for Health Equity Research has accumulated all faculty publications into one, easy to navigate database.
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Kahn, Carmella B; James, DeeDee; George, Shawndeena; Johnson, Tressica; Kahn-John, Michelle; Teufel-Shone, Nicolette I; Begay, Chassity; Tutt, Marissa; Bauer, Mark C Diné (Navajo) Traditional Knowledge Holders’ Perspective of COVID-19 Journal Article Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health, 20 (4), pp. 3728, 2023. @article{Kahn2023, title = {Diné (Navajo) Traditional Knowledge Holders’ Perspective of COVID-19}, author = {Carmella B. Kahn and DeeDee James and Shawndeena George and Tressica Johnson and Michelle Kahn-John and Nicolette I. Teufel-Shone and Chassity Begay and Marissa Tutt and Mark C. Bauer}, url = {https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20043728}, doi = {10.3390/ijerph20043728}, year = {2023}, date = {2023-02-20}, journal = {Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health}, volume = {20}, number = {4}, pages = {3728}, abstract = {From the start of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Navajo Nation, Diné (Navajo) traditional knowledge holders (TKHs), such as medicine men and women and traditional practitioners, contributed their services and healing practices. Although TKHs are not always fully acknowledged in the western health care system, they have an established role to protect and promote the health of Diné people. To date, their roles in mitigating the COVID-19 pandemic have not been fully explored. The purpose of this research was to understand the social and cultural contexts of the COVID-19 pandemic and vaccines based on the roles and perspectives of Diné TKHs. A multi-investigator consensus analysis was conducted by six American Indian researchers using interviews with TKHs collected between December 2021–January 2022. The Hózhó Resilience Model was used as a framework to analyze the data using four parent themes: COVID-19, harmony and relationships, spirituality, and respect for self and discipline. These parent themes were further organized into promoters and/or barriers for 12 sub-themes that emerged from the data, such as traditional knowledge, Diné identity, and vaccine. Overall, the analysis showed key factors that could be applied in pandemic planning and public health mitigation efforts based on the cultural perspective of TKHs.}, keywords = {}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } From the start of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Navajo Nation, Diné (Navajo) traditional knowledge holders (TKHs), such as medicine men and women and traditional practitioners, contributed their services and healing practices. Although TKHs are not always fully acknowledged in the western health care system, they have an established role to protect and promote the health of Diné people. To date, their roles in mitigating the COVID-19 pandemic have not been fully explored. The purpose of this research was to understand the social and cultural contexts of the COVID-19 pandemic and vaccines based on the roles and perspectives of Diné TKHs. A multi-investigator consensus analysis was conducted by six American Indian researchers using interviews with TKHs collected between December 2021–January 2022. The Hózhó Resilience Model was used as a framework to analyze the data using four parent themes: COVID-19, harmony and relationships, spirituality, and respect for self and discipline. These parent themes were further organized into promoters and/or barriers for 12 sub-themes that emerged from the data, such as traditional knowledge, Diné identity, and vaccine. Overall, the analysis showed key factors that could be applied in pandemic planning and public health mitigation efforts based on the cultural perspective of TKHs. |
Tutt, Marissa; Begay, Chassity; George, Shawndeena; Dickerson, Christopher; Kahn, Carmella; Bauer, Mark; Teufel-Shone, Nicolette Frontiers in Public Health, 10 , 2022. @article{Tutt2022, title = {Diné teachings and public health students informing peers and relatives about vaccine education: Providing Diné (Navajo)-centered COVID-19 education materials using student health messengers}, author = {Marissa Tutt and Chassity Begay and Shawndeena George and Christopher Dickerson and Carmella Kahn and Mark Bauer and Nicolette Teufel-Shone}, url = {https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2022.1046634/full}, doi = {10.3389/fpubh.2022.1046634}, year = {2022}, date = {2022-12-14}, journal = {Frontiers in Public Health}, volume = {10}, abstract = {On 9 April 2021, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that only 19. 9% of United States (US) adults were fully vaccinated against COVID-19. In that same week, the Navajo Nation (NN) reported that 37.4% of residents were fully vaccinated, making the NN a leader in the uptake of COVID-19 vaccines. Despite high vaccination rates, vaccine hesitancy exists within the NN. The Diné (Navajo) Teachings and Public Health Students Informing Peers and Relatives about Vaccine Education (RAVE) intervention was designed to utilize trusted health messengers as an effective means to address adults' vaccine concerns and hesitancy.}, keywords = {}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } On 9 April 2021, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that only 19. 9% of United States (US) adults were fully vaccinated against COVID-19. In that same week, the Navajo Nation (NN) reported that 37.4% of residents were fully vaccinated, making the NN a leader in the uptake of COVID-19 vaccines. Despite high vaccination rates, vaccine hesitancy exists within the NN. The Diné (Navajo) Teachings and Public Health Students Informing Peers and Relatives about Vaccine Education (RAVE) intervention was designed to utilize trusted health messengers as an effective means to address adults' vaccine concerns and hesitancy. |
Dreifuss, Heather M; Belin, Kalvina L; Wilson, Jamie; George, Shawndeena; Waters, Amber-Rose; Bauer, Carmella Kahn 1and Mark B C; Teufel-Shone, Nicolette I Engaging Native American High School Students in Public Health Career Preparation Through the Indigenous Summer Enhancement Program Journal Article Frontiers in Public Heath, 10 , 2022. @article{Dreifuss2022, title = {Engaging Native American High School Students in Public Health Career Preparation Through the Indigenous Summer Enhancement Program}, author = {Heather M Dreifuss and Kalvina L Belin and Jamie Wilson and Shawndeena George and Amber-Rose Waters and Carmella B Kahn 1and Mark C Bauer and Nicolette I Teufel-Shone}, url = {https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35273937/10.3389/fpubh.2022.789994}, doi = {10.3389/fpubh.2022.789994}, year = {2022}, date = {2022-02-22}, journal = {Frontiers in Public Heath}, volume = {10}, abstract = {Native American populations are systematically marginalized in the healthcare and public health workforce. One effective approach to reduce health disparities and improve health care delivery among Indigenous populations is to train more Native American health professionals who integrate academic and cultural knowledge to understand and influence health behaviors and perspectives. Diné College partnered with Northern Arizona University to develop the Navajo Native American Research Center for Health (NARCH) Partnership, funded by the National Institutes of Health. The high school component of the Navajo NARCH Partnership created the Indigenous Summer Enhancement Program (ISEP), a 1-week summer training program providing exposure to health careers and mentorship in pursuing public health careers for Native American high school students. ISEP utilizes the Diné Educational Philosophy (DEP), a Navajo conceptual framework to serve as the foundation of the program. In 2020-2021, due to COVID-19 restrictions, the DEP model had to be incorporated in the Navajo NARCH high school virtual program activities. ISEP used 2018 and 2019 past program evaluation data to inform the virtual programming. Students' perception of the program was collected using an online Qualtrics evaluation questionnaire. Students stated appreciation for program staff, fellow students, peer mentors and culturally relevant learning experiences in both virtual and in-person environments. Recommendations included: expanding the length of ISEP and continuing the hands-on activities and Public Health Leadership series}, keywords = {}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } Native American populations are systematically marginalized in the healthcare and public health workforce. One effective approach to reduce health disparities and improve health care delivery among Indigenous populations is to train more Native American health professionals who integrate academic and cultural knowledge to understand and influence health behaviors and perspectives. Diné College partnered with Northern Arizona University to develop the Navajo Native American Research Center for Health (NARCH) Partnership, funded by the National Institutes of Health. The high school component of the Navajo NARCH Partnership created the Indigenous Summer Enhancement Program (ISEP), a 1-week summer training program providing exposure to health careers and mentorship in pursuing public health careers for Native American high school students. ISEP utilizes the Diné Educational Philosophy (DEP), a Navajo conceptual framework to serve as the foundation of the program. In 2020-2021, due to COVID-19 restrictions, the DEP model had to be incorporated in the Navajo NARCH high school virtual program activities. ISEP used 2018 and 2019 past program evaluation data to inform the virtual programming. Students' perception of the program was collected using an online Qualtrics evaluation questionnaire. Students stated appreciation for program staff, fellow students, peer mentors and culturally relevant learning experiences in both virtual and in-person environments. Recommendations included: expanding the length of ISEP and continuing the hands-on activities and Public Health Leadership series |
King, Caroline; Atwood, Sidney; Brown, Chris; Nelson, Adrianne Katrina; Lozada, Mia; Wei, Jennie; Merino, Maricruz; Curley, Cameron; Muskett, Olivia; Sabo, Samantha; Gampa, Vikas; Orav, John; Shin, Sonya Primary Care Diabetes, 12 (3), pp. 212-217, 2018. @article{King2018, title = {Primary care and survival among American Indian patients with diabetes in the Southwest United States: Evaluation of a cohort study at Gallup Indian Medical Center, 2009-2016}, author = {Caroline King and Sidney Atwood and Chris Brown and Adrianne Katrina Nelson and Mia Lozada and Jennie Wei and Maricruz Merino and Cameron Curley and Olivia Muskett and Samantha Sabo and Vikas Gampa and John Orav and Sonya Shin}, url = {https://www.primary-care-diabetes.com/article/S1751-9918(17)30184-5/fulltext}, year = {2018}, date = {2018-06-01}, journal = {Primary Care Diabetes}, volume = {12}, number = {3}, pages = {212-217}, abstract = {Objectives To evaluate the role of primary care healthcare delivery on survival for American Indian patients with diabetes in the southwest United States. Methods Data from patients with diabetes admitted to Gallup Indian Medical Center between 2009 and 2016 were analyzed using a log-rank test and Cox Proportional Hazards analyses. Results Of the 2661 patients included in analysis, 286 patients died during the study period. Having visited a primary care provider in the year prior to first admission of the study period was protective against all-cause mortality in unadjusted analysis (HR (95% CI) = 0.47 (0.31, 0.73)), and after adjustment. The log-rank test indicated there is a significant difference in overall survival by primary care engagement history prior to admission (p < 0.001). The median survival time for patients who had seen a primary care provider was 2322 days versus 2158 days for those who had not seen a primary care provider. Conclusions Compared with those who did not see a primary care provider in the year prior to admission, having seen a primary care provider was associated with improved survival after admission.}, keywords = {}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } Objectives To evaluate the role of primary care healthcare delivery on survival for American Indian patients with diabetes in the southwest United States. Methods Data from patients with diabetes admitted to Gallup Indian Medical Center between 2009 and 2016 were analyzed using a log-rank test and Cox Proportional Hazards analyses. Results Of the 2661 patients included in analysis, 286 patients died during the study period. Having visited a primary care provider in the year prior to first admission of the study period was protective against all-cause mortality in unadjusted analysis (HR (95% CI) = 0.47 (0.31, 0.73)), and after adjustment. The log-rank test indicated there is a significant difference in overall survival by primary care engagement history prior to admission (p < 0.001). The median survival time for patients who had seen a primary care provider was 2322 days versus 2158 days for those who had not seen a primary care provider. Conclusions Compared with those who did not see a primary care provider in the year prior to admission, having seen a primary care provider was associated with improved survival after admission. |
Chief, Carmenlita; Sabo, Samantha; Clark, Hershel; Henderson, Patricia Nez; Yazzie, Alfred; Nahee, Jacqueline; Leischow, Scott J Tobacco Control, 25 , pp. 19-25, 2016. @article{Chief2016, title = {Breathing clean air is Są’áh Naagháí Bik'eh Hózhóó (SNBH): a culturally centered approach to understanding commercial smoke-free policy among the Diné (Navajo People)}, author = {Carmenlita Chief and Samantha Sabo and Hershel Clark and Patricia Nez Henderson and Alfred Yazzie and Jacqueline Nahee and Scott J Leischow}, url = {http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/tobaccocontrol-2016-053081}, year = {2016}, date = {2016-10-03}, journal = {Tobacco Control}, volume = {25}, pages = {19-25}, abstract = {Introduction Indigenous worldviews and research approaches are fundamental to make meaning of complex health issues and increase the likelihood of identifying existing cultural protective factors that have contributed to the resilience and survival of Indigenous people worldwide. Objective: We describe the process for applying the Diné (Navajo) paradigm of Są’áh Naagháí Bik'eh Hózhóó (SNBH), a belief system that guides harmonious living, and demonstrate how the application of SNBH enhances understanding of Navajo principles for well-being. Specifically, we juxtapose this analysis with a conventional qualitative analysis to illuminate and interpret Diné perspectives on the health and economic impact of commercial secondhand smoke and smoke-free policy. Methods Focus groups were conducted throughout Navajo Nation to assess the appeal and impact of several evidence-based messages regarding the health and economic impact of smoke-free policy. Results Diné perspectives have shifted away from family and cultural teachings considered protective of a smoke-free life, and struggle to balance the ethical and economics of respect for individual and collective rights to live and work in smoke-free environments. Conclusions Indigenous-centered approaches to public health research and policy analysis contribute to understanding the cultural knowledge, practices and beliefs that are protective of the health and well-being of Indigenous people.}, keywords = {}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } Introduction Indigenous worldviews and research approaches are fundamental to make meaning of complex health issues and increase the likelihood of identifying existing cultural protective factors that have contributed to the resilience and survival of Indigenous people worldwide. Objective: We describe the process for applying the Diné (Navajo) paradigm of Są’áh Naagháí Bik'eh Hózhóó (SNBH), a belief system that guides harmonious living, and demonstrate how the application of SNBH enhances understanding of Navajo principles for well-being. Specifically, we juxtapose this analysis with a conventional qualitative analysis to illuminate and interpret Diné perspectives on the health and economic impact of commercial secondhand smoke and smoke-free policy. Methods Focus groups were conducted throughout Navajo Nation to assess the appeal and impact of several evidence-based messages regarding the health and economic impact of smoke-free policy. Results Diné perspectives have shifted away from family and cultural teachings considered protective of a smoke-free life, and struggle to balance the ethical and economics of respect for individual and collective rights to live and work in smoke-free environments. Conclusions Indigenous-centered approaches to public health research and policy analysis contribute to understanding the cultural knowledge, practices and beliefs that are protective of the health and well-being of Indigenous people. |
Sanderson, Priscilla R; Teufel-Shone, Nicolette; Baldwin, Julie A; Sandoval, Nellie; Robinson, Frances Breast cancer education for Navajo women: a pilot study evaluating a culturally relevant video Journal Article Journal of Cancer Education, 25 (2), pp. 217-223, 2010. @article{Sanderson2010, title = {Breast cancer education for Navajo women: a pilot study evaluating a culturally relevant video}, author = {Priscilla R Sanderson and Nicolette Teufel-Shone and Julie A Baldwin and Nellie Sandoval and Frances Robinson}, url = {https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20111913}, doi = {10.1007/s13187-009-0036-7}, year = {2010}, date = {2010-06-01}, journal = {Journal of Cancer Education}, volume = {25}, number = {2}, pages = {217-223}, abstract = {This pilot study evaluated a culturally specific video designed to teach Navajo women about breast cancer treatment options. Fourteen Navajo women diagnosed with breast cancer and 26 healthcare providers participated in a mixed-method evaluation that documented their perceptions immediately and 6 months after viewing the video. After initial viewing, women reported reduced anxiety about treatment and interest in support groups. Six months later, women said the video prompted them to seek more information from printed sources and their provider. Younger Navajo women who were 44 to 51 years old were more likely to attend support groups than women who were 55-67 years. Providers corroborated the positive effects of the video. The providers believed the video encouraged patients to seek information about breast cancer and to ask questions about treatment plans and side effects. A culturally relevant video for Navajo women can be an effective teaching tool and can enhance patient-provider communication.}, keywords = {}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } This pilot study evaluated a culturally specific video designed to teach Navajo women about breast cancer treatment options. Fourteen Navajo women diagnosed with breast cancer and 26 healthcare providers participated in a mixed-method evaluation that documented their perceptions immediately and 6 months after viewing the video. After initial viewing, women reported reduced anxiety about treatment and interest in support groups. Six months later, women said the video prompted them to seek more information from printed sources and their provider. Younger Navajo women who were 44 to 51 years old were more likely to attend support groups than women who were 55-67 years. Providers corroborated the positive effects of the video. The providers believed the video encouraged patients to seek information about breast cancer and to ask questions about treatment plans and side effects. A culturally relevant video for Navajo women can be an effective teaching tool and can enhance patient-provider communication. |
2023 |
Kahn, Carmella B; James, DeeDee; George, Shawndeena; Johnson, Tressica; Kahn-John, Michelle; Teufel-Shone, Nicolette I; Begay, Chassity; Tutt, Marissa; Bauer, Mark C Diné (Navajo) Traditional Knowledge Holders’ Perspective of COVID-19 Journal Article Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health, 20 (4), pp. 3728, 2023. @article{Kahn2023, title = {Diné (Navajo) Traditional Knowledge Holders’ Perspective of COVID-19}, author = {Carmella B. Kahn and DeeDee James and Shawndeena George and Tressica Johnson and Michelle Kahn-John and Nicolette I. Teufel-Shone and Chassity Begay and Marissa Tutt and Mark C. Bauer}, url = {https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20043728}, doi = {10.3390/ijerph20043728}, year = {2023}, date = {2023-02-20}, journal = {Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health}, volume = {20}, number = {4}, pages = {3728}, abstract = {From the start of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Navajo Nation, Diné (Navajo) traditional knowledge holders (TKHs), such as medicine men and women and traditional practitioners, contributed their services and healing practices. Although TKHs are not always fully acknowledged in the western health care system, they have an established role to protect and promote the health of Diné people. To date, their roles in mitigating the COVID-19 pandemic have not been fully explored. The purpose of this research was to understand the social and cultural contexts of the COVID-19 pandemic and vaccines based on the roles and perspectives of Diné TKHs. A multi-investigator consensus analysis was conducted by six American Indian researchers using interviews with TKHs collected between December 2021–January 2022. The Hózhó Resilience Model was used as a framework to analyze the data using four parent themes: COVID-19, harmony and relationships, spirituality, and respect for self and discipline. These parent themes were further organized into promoters and/or barriers for 12 sub-themes that emerged from the data, such as traditional knowledge, Diné identity, and vaccine. Overall, the analysis showed key factors that could be applied in pandemic planning and public health mitigation efforts based on the cultural perspective of TKHs.}, keywords = {}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } From the start of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Navajo Nation, Diné (Navajo) traditional knowledge holders (TKHs), such as medicine men and women and traditional practitioners, contributed their services and healing practices. Although TKHs are not always fully acknowledged in the western health care system, they have an established role to protect and promote the health of Diné people. To date, their roles in mitigating the COVID-19 pandemic have not been fully explored. The purpose of this research was to understand the social and cultural contexts of the COVID-19 pandemic and vaccines based on the roles and perspectives of Diné TKHs. A multi-investigator consensus analysis was conducted by six American Indian researchers using interviews with TKHs collected between December 2021–January 2022. The Hózhó Resilience Model was used as a framework to analyze the data using four parent themes: COVID-19, harmony and relationships, spirituality, and respect for self and discipline. These parent themes were further organized into promoters and/or barriers for 12 sub-themes that emerged from the data, such as traditional knowledge, Diné identity, and vaccine. Overall, the analysis showed key factors that could be applied in pandemic planning and public health mitigation efforts based on the cultural perspective of TKHs. |
2022 |
Tutt, Marissa; Begay, Chassity; George, Shawndeena; Dickerson, Christopher; Kahn, Carmella; Bauer, Mark; Teufel-Shone, Nicolette Frontiers in Public Health, 10 , 2022. @article{Tutt2022, title = {Diné teachings and public health students informing peers and relatives about vaccine education: Providing Diné (Navajo)-centered COVID-19 education materials using student health messengers}, author = {Marissa Tutt and Chassity Begay and Shawndeena George and Christopher Dickerson and Carmella Kahn and Mark Bauer and Nicolette Teufel-Shone}, url = {https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2022.1046634/full}, doi = {10.3389/fpubh.2022.1046634}, year = {2022}, date = {2022-12-14}, journal = {Frontiers in Public Health}, volume = {10}, abstract = {On 9 April 2021, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that only 19. 9% of United States (US) adults were fully vaccinated against COVID-19. In that same week, the Navajo Nation (NN) reported that 37.4% of residents were fully vaccinated, making the NN a leader in the uptake of COVID-19 vaccines. Despite high vaccination rates, vaccine hesitancy exists within the NN. The Diné (Navajo) Teachings and Public Health Students Informing Peers and Relatives about Vaccine Education (RAVE) intervention was designed to utilize trusted health messengers as an effective means to address adults' vaccine concerns and hesitancy.}, keywords = {}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } On 9 April 2021, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that only 19. 9% of United States (US) adults were fully vaccinated against COVID-19. In that same week, the Navajo Nation (NN) reported that 37.4% of residents were fully vaccinated, making the NN a leader in the uptake of COVID-19 vaccines. Despite high vaccination rates, vaccine hesitancy exists within the NN. The Diné (Navajo) Teachings and Public Health Students Informing Peers and Relatives about Vaccine Education (RAVE) intervention was designed to utilize trusted health messengers as an effective means to address adults' vaccine concerns and hesitancy. |
Dreifuss, Heather M; Belin, Kalvina L; Wilson, Jamie; George, Shawndeena; Waters, Amber-Rose; Bauer, Carmella Kahn 1and Mark B C; Teufel-Shone, Nicolette I Engaging Native American High School Students in Public Health Career Preparation Through the Indigenous Summer Enhancement Program Journal Article Frontiers in Public Heath, 10 , 2022. @article{Dreifuss2022, title = {Engaging Native American High School Students in Public Health Career Preparation Through the Indigenous Summer Enhancement Program}, author = {Heather M Dreifuss and Kalvina L Belin and Jamie Wilson and Shawndeena George and Amber-Rose Waters and Carmella B Kahn 1and Mark C Bauer and Nicolette I Teufel-Shone}, url = {https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35273937/10.3389/fpubh.2022.789994}, doi = {10.3389/fpubh.2022.789994}, year = {2022}, date = {2022-02-22}, journal = {Frontiers in Public Heath}, volume = {10}, abstract = {Native American populations are systematically marginalized in the healthcare and public health workforce. One effective approach to reduce health disparities and improve health care delivery among Indigenous populations is to train more Native American health professionals who integrate academic and cultural knowledge to understand and influence health behaviors and perspectives. Diné College partnered with Northern Arizona University to develop the Navajo Native American Research Center for Health (NARCH) Partnership, funded by the National Institutes of Health. The high school component of the Navajo NARCH Partnership created the Indigenous Summer Enhancement Program (ISEP), a 1-week summer training program providing exposure to health careers and mentorship in pursuing public health careers for Native American high school students. ISEP utilizes the Diné Educational Philosophy (DEP), a Navajo conceptual framework to serve as the foundation of the program. In 2020-2021, due to COVID-19 restrictions, the DEP model had to be incorporated in the Navajo NARCH high school virtual program activities. ISEP used 2018 and 2019 past program evaluation data to inform the virtual programming. Students' perception of the program was collected using an online Qualtrics evaluation questionnaire. Students stated appreciation for program staff, fellow students, peer mentors and culturally relevant learning experiences in both virtual and in-person environments. Recommendations included: expanding the length of ISEP and continuing the hands-on activities and Public Health Leadership series}, keywords = {}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } Native American populations are systematically marginalized in the healthcare and public health workforce. One effective approach to reduce health disparities and improve health care delivery among Indigenous populations is to train more Native American health professionals who integrate academic and cultural knowledge to understand and influence health behaviors and perspectives. Diné College partnered with Northern Arizona University to develop the Navajo Native American Research Center for Health (NARCH) Partnership, funded by the National Institutes of Health. The high school component of the Navajo NARCH Partnership created the Indigenous Summer Enhancement Program (ISEP), a 1-week summer training program providing exposure to health careers and mentorship in pursuing public health careers for Native American high school students. ISEP utilizes the Diné Educational Philosophy (DEP), a Navajo conceptual framework to serve as the foundation of the program. In 2020-2021, due to COVID-19 restrictions, the DEP model had to be incorporated in the Navajo NARCH high school virtual program activities. ISEP used 2018 and 2019 past program evaluation data to inform the virtual programming. Students' perception of the program was collected using an online Qualtrics evaluation questionnaire. Students stated appreciation for program staff, fellow students, peer mentors and culturally relevant learning experiences in both virtual and in-person environments. Recommendations included: expanding the length of ISEP and continuing the hands-on activities and Public Health Leadership series |
2018 |
King, Caroline; Atwood, Sidney; Brown, Chris; Nelson, Adrianne Katrina; Lozada, Mia; Wei, Jennie; Merino, Maricruz; Curley, Cameron; Muskett, Olivia; Sabo, Samantha; Gampa, Vikas; Orav, John; Shin, Sonya Primary Care Diabetes, 12 (3), pp. 212-217, 2018. @article{King2018, title = {Primary care and survival among American Indian patients with diabetes in the Southwest United States: Evaluation of a cohort study at Gallup Indian Medical Center, 2009-2016}, author = {Caroline King and Sidney Atwood and Chris Brown and Adrianne Katrina Nelson and Mia Lozada and Jennie Wei and Maricruz Merino and Cameron Curley and Olivia Muskett and Samantha Sabo and Vikas Gampa and John Orav and Sonya Shin}, url = {https://www.primary-care-diabetes.com/article/S1751-9918(17)30184-5/fulltext}, year = {2018}, date = {2018-06-01}, journal = {Primary Care Diabetes}, volume = {12}, number = {3}, pages = {212-217}, abstract = {Objectives To evaluate the role of primary care healthcare delivery on survival for American Indian patients with diabetes in the southwest United States. Methods Data from patients with diabetes admitted to Gallup Indian Medical Center between 2009 and 2016 were analyzed using a log-rank test and Cox Proportional Hazards analyses. Results Of the 2661 patients included in analysis, 286 patients died during the study period. Having visited a primary care provider in the year prior to first admission of the study period was protective against all-cause mortality in unadjusted analysis (HR (95% CI) = 0.47 (0.31, 0.73)), and after adjustment. The log-rank test indicated there is a significant difference in overall survival by primary care engagement history prior to admission (p < 0.001). The median survival time for patients who had seen a primary care provider was 2322 days versus 2158 days for those who had not seen a primary care provider. Conclusions Compared with those who did not see a primary care provider in the year prior to admission, having seen a primary care provider was associated with improved survival after admission.}, keywords = {}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } Objectives To evaluate the role of primary care healthcare delivery on survival for American Indian patients with diabetes in the southwest United States. Methods Data from patients with diabetes admitted to Gallup Indian Medical Center between 2009 and 2016 were analyzed using a log-rank test and Cox Proportional Hazards analyses. Results Of the 2661 patients included in analysis, 286 patients died during the study period. Having visited a primary care provider in the year prior to first admission of the study period was protective against all-cause mortality in unadjusted analysis (HR (95% CI) = 0.47 (0.31, 0.73)), and after adjustment. The log-rank test indicated there is a significant difference in overall survival by primary care engagement history prior to admission (p < 0.001). The median survival time for patients who had seen a primary care provider was 2322 days versus 2158 days for those who had not seen a primary care provider. Conclusions Compared with those who did not see a primary care provider in the year prior to admission, having seen a primary care provider was associated with improved survival after admission. |
2016 |
Chief, Carmenlita; Sabo, Samantha; Clark, Hershel; Henderson, Patricia Nez; Yazzie, Alfred; Nahee, Jacqueline; Leischow, Scott J Tobacco Control, 25 , pp. 19-25, 2016. @article{Chief2016, title = {Breathing clean air is Są’áh Naagháí Bik'eh Hózhóó (SNBH): a culturally centered approach to understanding commercial smoke-free policy among the Diné (Navajo People)}, author = {Carmenlita Chief and Samantha Sabo and Hershel Clark and Patricia Nez Henderson and Alfred Yazzie and Jacqueline Nahee and Scott J Leischow}, url = {http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/tobaccocontrol-2016-053081}, year = {2016}, date = {2016-10-03}, journal = {Tobacco Control}, volume = {25}, pages = {19-25}, abstract = {Introduction Indigenous worldviews and research approaches are fundamental to make meaning of complex health issues and increase the likelihood of identifying existing cultural protective factors that have contributed to the resilience and survival of Indigenous people worldwide. Objective: We describe the process for applying the Diné (Navajo) paradigm of Są’áh Naagháí Bik'eh Hózhóó (SNBH), a belief system that guides harmonious living, and demonstrate how the application of SNBH enhances understanding of Navajo principles for well-being. Specifically, we juxtapose this analysis with a conventional qualitative analysis to illuminate and interpret Diné perspectives on the health and economic impact of commercial secondhand smoke and smoke-free policy. Methods Focus groups were conducted throughout Navajo Nation to assess the appeal and impact of several evidence-based messages regarding the health and economic impact of smoke-free policy. Results Diné perspectives have shifted away from family and cultural teachings considered protective of a smoke-free life, and struggle to balance the ethical and economics of respect for individual and collective rights to live and work in smoke-free environments. Conclusions Indigenous-centered approaches to public health research and policy analysis contribute to understanding the cultural knowledge, practices and beliefs that are protective of the health and well-being of Indigenous people.}, keywords = {}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } Introduction Indigenous worldviews and research approaches are fundamental to make meaning of complex health issues and increase the likelihood of identifying existing cultural protective factors that have contributed to the resilience and survival of Indigenous people worldwide. Objective: We describe the process for applying the Diné (Navajo) paradigm of Są’áh Naagháí Bik'eh Hózhóó (SNBH), a belief system that guides harmonious living, and demonstrate how the application of SNBH enhances understanding of Navajo principles for well-being. Specifically, we juxtapose this analysis with a conventional qualitative analysis to illuminate and interpret Diné perspectives on the health and economic impact of commercial secondhand smoke and smoke-free policy. Methods Focus groups were conducted throughout Navajo Nation to assess the appeal and impact of several evidence-based messages regarding the health and economic impact of smoke-free policy. Results Diné perspectives have shifted away from family and cultural teachings considered protective of a smoke-free life, and struggle to balance the ethical and economics of respect for individual and collective rights to live and work in smoke-free environments. Conclusions Indigenous-centered approaches to public health research and policy analysis contribute to understanding the cultural knowledge, practices and beliefs that are protective of the health and well-being of Indigenous people. |
2010 |
Sanderson, Priscilla R; Teufel-Shone, Nicolette; Baldwin, Julie A; Sandoval, Nellie; Robinson, Frances Breast cancer education for Navajo women: a pilot study evaluating a culturally relevant video Journal Article Journal of Cancer Education, 25 (2), pp. 217-223, 2010. @article{Sanderson2010, title = {Breast cancer education for Navajo women: a pilot study evaluating a culturally relevant video}, author = {Priscilla R Sanderson and Nicolette Teufel-Shone and Julie A Baldwin and Nellie Sandoval and Frances Robinson}, url = {https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20111913}, doi = {10.1007/s13187-009-0036-7}, year = {2010}, date = {2010-06-01}, journal = {Journal of Cancer Education}, volume = {25}, number = {2}, pages = {217-223}, abstract = {This pilot study evaluated a culturally specific video designed to teach Navajo women about breast cancer treatment options. Fourteen Navajo women diagnosed with breast cancer and 26 healthcare providers participated in a mixed-method evaluation that documented their perceptions immediately and 6 months after viewing the video. After initial viewing, women reported reduced anxiety about treatment and interest in support groups. Six months later, women said the video prompted them to seek more information from printed sources and their provider. Younger Navajo women who were 44 to 51 years old were more likely to attend support groups than women who were 55-67 years. Providers corroborated the positive effects of the video. The providers believed the video encouraged patients to seek information about breast cancer and to ask questions about treatment plans and side effects. A culturally relevant video for Navajo women can be an effective teaching tool and can enhance patient-provider communication.}, keywords = {}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } This pilot study evaluated a culturally specific video designed to teach Navajo women about breast cancer treatment options. Fourteen Navajo women diagnosed with breast cancer and 26 healthcare providers participated in a mixed-method evaluation that documented their perceptions immediately and 6 months after viewing the video. After initial viewing, women reported reduced anxiety about treatment and interest in support groups. Six months later, women said the video prompted them to seek more information from printed sources and their provider. Younger Navajo women who were 44 to 51 years old were more likely to attend support groups than women who were 55-67 years. Providers corroborated the positive effects of the video. The providers believed the video encouraged patients to seek information about breast cancer and to ask questions about treatment plans and side effects. A culturally relevant video for Navajo women can be an effective teaching tool and can enhance patient-provider communication. |