Health Concerns for Native American Youth: A Culturally Grounded Approach to Health Promotion

Abstract

SUMMARY This study examined the health behaviors of Native American youth in the Northeastern region of the United States. In particular, the study documented behaviors that put youth at risk for cancer such as dietary practices and recreational tobacco use. Data were also collected on the cultural identification of the youth. Some links were found between cultural identification and health behaviors. Culturally grounded preventive health interventions led to improved health behavior with Native youth at some sites but not others.