CULTURAL ADAPTATIONS OF EVIDENCE-BASED HOME-VISITATION MODELS IN TRIBAL COMMUNITIES

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Indigenous Health
• Maternal and Child Health

Background:

• The Tribal Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting (Tribal MIECHV) Program supports evidence-based home visiting for American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) families.
• Limited evidence-based home visiting models exist for AI/AN communities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the process four Tribal MIECHV Programs used to assess needs, select, and culturally adapt home visiting models.
• To highlight the importance of community-driven adaptation for AI/AN populations.

Main Methods:

• Four distinct Tribal MIECHV Programs conducted rigorous community needs assessments.
• Programs selected and culturally adapted existing home visiting models in consultation with developers.
• Adaptations were grounded in indigenous cultures and community strengths.

Main Results:

• Each program successfully implemented culturally relevant adaptations to home visiting models.
• Adaptations addressed specific community needs and strengths within AI/AN settings.
• The process involved collaboration between tribal programs and model developers.

Conclusions:

• Culturally adapting evidence-based home visiting models is feasible and essential for AI/AN communities.
• Further research is needed to develop and evaluate culturally grounded interventions and outcome measures for AI/AN populations.
• Strengthening home visiting services can improve maternal and child health outcomes in tribal settings.