Kwon Sherry C., Kabir Rian, Saadabadi Abdolreza
Kaweah Delta Health Care District
University of Louisville, Louisville, KY
Native Americans, encompassing both American Indian and Alaska Native individuals, are descendants of the original inhabitants of the United States and represent an increasingly diverse and expanding demographic. Research indicates that these populations experience reduced life expectancy and a diminished quality of life compared to the broader US population. In addition to experiencing elevated rates of prevalent medical conditions, including diabetes, obesity, and hypertension, American Indian and Alaska Native individuals also face a significant prevalence of mental health conditions. A national study comparing the prevalence of mental health disorders and associated treatment-seeking results showed higher rates of psychiatric disorders in American Indians and Alaska Natives than non–Hispanic White individuals. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), violence, suicide, and substance abuse have been identified as some of the more prevalent mental health issues among American Indian and Alaska Native individuals when compared with the general population in the US. Sociodemographic characteristics, including age, education, and income, are likely contributing factors for the number of psychiatric disorders seen in American Indian and Alaska Native individuals compared to other racial groups. The cumulative emotional and psychological impact of colonization, forced relocation, and cultural disruption contributes to the intergenerational trauma faced by many in various American Indian and Alaska Native communities. This trauma can manifest as depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and other mental health disorders. Efforts should be intensified to address mental health care disparities among American Indian and Alaska Native populations through culturally sensitive clinical interventions. Pinpointing the existing gaps in mental health care provision and outcomes within these communities is crucial. Identifying mental health disparities directs essential actions for enhancing outcomes and reducing health inequalities.
美国原住民，包括美国印第安人和阿拉斯加原住民，是美国原住居民的后裔，其人口结构日益多样化且不断扩大。研究表明，与美国更广泛的人口相比，这些人群的预期寿命缩短，生活质量下降。除了糖尿病、肥胖症和高血压等常见疾病的发病率较高外，美国印第安人和阿拉斯加原住民还面临着较高的心理健康问题患病率。一项比较心理健康障碍患病率及相关寻求治疗结果的全国性研究表明，美国印第安人和阿拉斯加原住民的精神疾病发病率高于非西班牙裔白人。与美国普通人群相比，创伤后应激障碍（PTSD）、暴力、自杀和药物滥用已被确定为美国印第安人和阿拉斯加原住民中一些较为普遍的心理健康问题。社会人口学特征，包括年龄、教育程度和收入，可能是导致美国印第安人和阿拉斯加原住民与其他种族群体相比精神疾病数量较多的因素。殖民化、被迫迁移和文化破坏所带来的累积情感和心理影响，导致许多美国印第安人和阿拉斯加原住民社区的人们面临代际创伤。这种创伤可能表现为抑郁、焦虑、药物滥用和其他心理健康障碍。应通过具有文化敏感性的临床干预措施，加大力度解决美国印第安人和阿拉斯加原住民人群在心理健康护理方面的差异。查明这些社区在心理健康护理提供和结果方面存在的现有差距至关重要。确定心理健康差异可为改善结果和减少健康不平等指明关键行动方向。
