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ABSTRACT: Native Americans in the United States are not typically regarded as a most at-risk population for HIV or other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), despite emerging evidence which suggests otherwise. As a result, Native Americans lack access to key prevention services and programs. In planning prevention programs for this unique population, however, it is important to take into account the cultural factors that may be implicated in health risk behaviors. Historical Loss is a type of historical trauma that has been reported in Native Americans, and which may be related to health behaviors. We examined whether Historical Loss was associated with sexual risk behaviors in a sample of 120 American Indian men living in Fort Peck Reservation in northeastern Montana who completed questions regarding Historical Loss and sexual risk behaviors. Symptoms of Historical Loss that reflected Anxiety/Depression and Anger/Avoidance were associated with an increased likelihood of individuals' having sex with multiple concurrent partners. Health interventions that aim to address HIV/STI prevention should take symptoms of Historical Loss into account, as Historical Loss could be a potential factor that will mitigate HIV, STI, and pregnancy prevention efforts in this population.
Journal of Community Health 04/2013; · 1.28 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: This study examines the extent to which age, fatherhood, relationship status, self-control of birth control method, and the use of birth control influence young Native American men's intention to use family planning services. Data were collected for this study during in-depth interviews with 112 Native American men between the ages of 18 and 24 years. The mean age reported was 21. Thirty-eight percent of the young men reported having children. Almost 70% of the young men reported being in a steady relationship. Eighty-eight percent reported that it was very important that they have self-control of the type of birth control that they use. In addition, 88% of the young men reported that they would use some type of birth control within the next year to prevent a pregnancy with their partner. Logistic regression analysis indicated that as age increased, young men were less likely to seek family planning services for birth control. The young men who reported being fathers were more likely than the young men who did not report being fathers to seek family planning services for birth control. Findings from this study suggest that public health efforts to educate Native American men about family planning services are most effective in their adolescence, before they transition into young adulthood. Fatherhood may also be considered a protective factor that may increase the likelihood that young Native American men will seek family planning services for birth control. Public health efforts that address reproductive health among young Native American men may be effective with Native American men in adolescence, prior to their transition to young adulthood. Family planning services that provide outreach education and care to Native American fathers may also be effective.
American journal of men's health 03/2012; 6(4):324-30. · 1.15 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: The Fort Peck Sexual Health Project: A Contextual Analysis of Native American Men is a community-based participatory research (CBPR) project that explores the extent to which knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs about sex, intimate relationships, and mental health influence sexual and reproductive health. For the purpose of this study, the influence of age, fatherhood, and mental health factors related to historical trauma and loss on young American Indian (AI) men's intention to use birth control was examined. In-depth interviews were conducted with 112 Native American men between the ages of 18 and 24 years. The mean age reported was 21 years. Thirty-eight percent of the young men reported having children. The young men reported experiences of historical trauma during their lifetime as well as emotional responses due to historical losses. Ninety-five percent reported that it was very important that they use some form of birth control to prevent their partner from getting pregnant within the next year. Logistic regression analysis indicated that, as age increased, young men were less likely to use birth control to prevent pregnancy. The young men who reported feelings of loss due to experiences related to historical trauma and loss were more likely to use birth control. Findings from this study suggest that public health efforts to educate AI men about planned pregnancies and the use of birth control may be most effective in adolescence. Public health programs that address mental health concerns such as the emotional responses due to historical losses may assist young AI men in their decision to use birth control.
American Indian and Alaska native mental health research (Online) 01/2012; 19(1):57-75.
