Caring for American Indian and Alaska Native Children and Adolescents

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Health
• Public Health Policy
• Health Equity

Background:

• American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) populations experience profound health inequities, with many conditions originating in childhood.
• AI/AN children and adolescents exhibit higher disease rates than the general pediatric population, necessitating targeted interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the inequitable disease burden in AI/AN youth.
• To highlight key areas including toxic stress, mental health, suicide, substance use, injury, violence, obesity, and cardiovascular risks.
• To explore the unique challenges faced by lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and Two-Spirit AI/AN youth and identify policy advocacy opportunities.

Main Methods:

• Policy statement review.
• Examination of health disparities in AI/AN youth.
• Focus on specific health issues and risk factors.

Main Results:

• AI/AN youth bear a disproportionate burden of disease across multiple domains.
• Specific areas of concern include toxic stress, mental health disorders, substance use, and injury.
• Obesity and related cardiovascular issues are prevalent, compounded by factors like foster care and LGBTQ+/Two-Spirit identity.

Conclusions:

• Pediatric care providers are crucial in mitigating childhood disease and improving overall health for AI/AN youth.
• Addressing systemic inequities requires comprehensive strategies focusing on mental health, injury prevention, and chronic disease management.
• Policy advocacy is essential to improve health outcomes for this vulnerable population.