Abstract

In this article the author, Stillwater, examines the inflated rates of disease among Alaskan native women. She explores the usage of culturally sensitive health programs in the attempt to decrease the inflated incidence of disease and provides support for the use of individualized interventions with examples of programs that effectively decrease the rates of disease among the natives.

In recent years, the health of native Alaskan women has become an overall cause for concern due to increasing rates of certain chronic and fatal diseases. In comparison to the US national average for women, Alaskan women have significantly higher incidence of disease in general. Diseases such as cervical cancers, certain types of coronary disease, Type II Diabetes, and stroke are some of the more prevalent issues, though incidence is dependent upon the region. These diseases however, are not just a random development. They are also noted by the author to be positively correlated with factors such as less education and poverty among the natives. Risk factors contributing to the increased incidence of disease include genetic factors like excessive blood pressure, but also lifestyle choices such as physical inactivity, dietary habits, and smoking.

In order to reduce the incidence of these diseases, Stillwater discussed the importance of designing culturally sensitive programs that meet the needs of the Alaskan natives. The most effective interventions respect those cultural traditions, and as a result make a positive impact on the individuals. She then moves on to discuss some of the culturally sensitive methods or strategies used to decrease development of disease in the area. These methods used in the interventions, not only recognize cultural traditions and beliefs, but also values these characteristics particular to Alaskan culture.

To design an effective, culturally sensitive program, theoretical models should be used in the design. Some example theories commonly used in health programs include the PRECEDE model, Transtheoretical Model, and Social Cognitive theory, all of which are discussed in the article. These theories were used in the creation of successful programs. These theories help with designing interventions based on the individual needs and characteristics of the population.

Examples of interventions designed with these theories use intervention strategies that are designed around the native population. Some example strategies such as exercise programs, inclusion of family in the intervention, social support, and outreach workers in the programs are effective in improving health among the native women. Results of these studies show significant changes in lifestyle factors leading to improved health and therefore, quality of life.


	Stillwater, B. (2001). Major Health issues among Female Alaskan Natives. Wicazo sa Review, Spring, 113-123.
	Abstract In this article the author, Stillwater, examines the inflated rates of disease among Alaskan native women. She explores the usage of culturally sensitive health programs in the attempt to decrease the inflated incidence of disease and provides support for the use of individualized interventions with examples of programs that effectively decrease the rates of disease among the natives. In recent years, the health of native Alaskan women has become an overall cause for concern due to increasing rates of certain chronic and fatal diseases. In comparison to the US national average for women, Alaskan women have significantly higher incidence of disease in general. Diseases such as cervical cancers, certain types of coronary disease, Type II Diabetes, and stroke are some of the more prevalent issues, though incidence is dependent upon the region. These diseases however, are not just a random development. They are also noted by the author to be positively correlated with factors such as less education and poverty among the natives. Risk factors contributing to the increased incidence of disease include genetic factors like excessive blood pressure, but also lifestyle choices such as physical inactivity, dietary habits, and smoking. In order to reduce the incidence of these diseases, Stillwater discussed the importance of designing culturally sensitive programs that meet the needs of the Alaskan natives. The most effective interventions respect those cultural traditions, and as a result make a positive impact on the individuals. She then moves on to discuss some of the culturally sensitive methods or strategies used to decrease development of disease in the area. These methods used in the interventions, not only recognize cultural traditions and beliefs, but also values these characteristics particular to Alaskan culture. To design an effective, culturally sensitive program, theoretical models should be used in the design. Some example theories commonly used in health programs include the PRECEDE model, Transtheoretical Model, and Social Cognitive theory, all of which are discussed in the article. These theories were used in the creation of successful programs. These theories help with designing interventions based on the individual needs and characteristics of the population. Examples of interventions designed with these theories use intervention strategies that are designed around the native population. Some example strategies such as exercise programs, inclusion of family in the intervention, social support, and outreach workers in the programs are effective in improving health among the native women. Results of these studies show significant changes in lifestyle factors leading to improved health and therefore, quality of life.