Diné (Navajo) Female Perspectives on Mother-Daughter Cultural Assets Around the Transition to Womanhood: A Qualitative Study.

INTRODUCTION

American Indian (AI) people have protective factors embedded in cultural teachings that buffer against high-risk behaviors. This study applies a qualitative, grounded theory approach to identify cultural assets for a Diné (Navajo) mother-daughter intervention aimed at preventing substance abuse and teen pregnancy.

METHOD

Focus groups and in-depth interviews were conducted with 28 AI females' ages 8 years and older from the Navajo Nation.

RESULTS

Key themes were (a) preserving the Diné way of life, (b) cultural assets related to being a healthy Diné woman, (c) matrilineal networks as a source of strength/pride, (d) historical trauma as a source of resilience, (e) male influences as protective health factors, (f) Western education as a measure of success, and (g) integrating different belief systems.

DISCUSSION

Study findings may be applied as foundational elements for culturally grounded AI substance abuse and teen pregnancy prevention strategies, as well as culturally safe nursing practice.