scholarly journals Developing the Canadian Indigenous Cognitive Assessment for Use With Indigenous Older Anishinaabe Adults in Ontario, Canada

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kristen Jacklin ◽  
Karen Pitawanakwat ◽  
Melissa Blind ◽  
Megan E O’Connell ◽  
Jennifer Walker ◽  
...  

Abstract Background and Objectives Dementia is a growing public health issue for aging Indigenous populations. Current cognitive assessments present varying degrees of cultural, educational, and language bias, impairing their application in Indigenous communities. Our goal is to provide Anishinaabe communities in Canada with a brief cognitive test that can be administered within the community setting by community health workers or professionals. The purpose of this study was to adapt the Kimberly Indigenous Cognitive Assessment (KICA) for use as a brief cognitive test with Anishinaabe populations in Canada. Research Design and Methods We used a community-based participatory research approach coupled with two-eyed seeing to provide an equitable space for Indigenous knowledge. Adaptation of the KICA was accomplished over 22 months using an iterative cycle of monthly consultations between an 11-member expert Anishinaabe language group (EALG) and the investigators, with ad hoc consultations with an Indigenous Elder, a community advisory council, and the KICA authors. Face validity was established with two pilot studies using cognitive interviewing with Indigenous older adults (n = 15) and a focus group consultation with local health professionals (n = 7). Results Each question of the KICA was scrutinized by the EALG for cultural appropriateness, language and translation, and cultural safety. Every domain required adaptation to reflect cultural values, specificity of language, tone, and a culturally safe approach. Orientation, verbal comprehension and fluency, praxis, and naming domains required the most adaptations. The first pilot for face validity resulted in additional changes; the second confirmed satisfactory adaptation of all changes. Discussion and Implications The research resulted in the new Canadian Indigenous Cognitive Assessment. The findings reveal important cultural and linguistic considerations for cross-cultural cognitive assessment in Indigenous contexts. This new culturally appropriate and safe brief cognitive test may improve case finding accuracy and lead to earlier diagnosis and improved dementia care for Indigenous peoples.

Author(s):  
Kristen M. Jacklin ◽  
Jessica M. Chiovitte

Over the last decade age-related dementias emerged as a significant health concern for Indigenous populations in Canada. Current research suggest that Indigenous communities hold culturally grounded understandings of dementia that are important in determining health services use and needs. This chapter combines a cultural safety framework with a health equity lens to discuss Indigenous dementia care needs in rural and remote Indigenous communities. Based on qualitative ethnographic data from Canada supported by published accounts of Indigenous experiences with dementia and dementia care internationally, we discuss promising approaches grounded in cultural safety aimed at improving prevention, diagnosis and care practices. Developing Indigenous specific care tools and adapting best practice mainstream approaches to care to adequately address cultural frameworks for dementia and the impacts of colonial trauma are necessary steps in providing decolonized, culturally safe care for Indigenous patients and fundamental to health equity.


2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. e000476
Author(s):  
Laura Plantinga ◽  
Ann Vandenberg ◽  
Felicia Goldstein ◽  
Brian Jones ◽  
Jeremy Johnson ◽  
...  

ObjectiveTo determine whether and how cognitive assessment data should be included in a report for patients with SLE and their providers.MethodsLeveraging experiences from prior studies, we created a cognitive report that included a hypothetical patient’s results on tests of multiple domains based on the NIH Toolbox Fluid Cognition Battery. In focus groups that comprised patients with SLE (two groups) and their providers (two groups), feedback was sought on the presentation of results as well as the potential value of the report in the clinical setting.ResultsFeedback regarding the presentation of the report was generally positive. Both patients with SLE and their providers liked its simple graphics and use of a colour-gradated scale to indicate performance. However, both groups stressed the importance of using non-stigmatising language in describing results. Several potential purposes of the report, including distinguishing cognitive versus other issues, explaining cognitive challenges, improving patient–provider interactions, guiding decision-making, improving functioning or preventing impairment and tracking cognitive function over time, were noted by the participants. Potential barriers, such as inadequate clinical staffing or time and lack of potential treatments for identified issues, were also discussed.ConclusionIn this exploratory study, we found that both patients with SLE and their providers were receptive to the idea of a patient-friendly report of cognitive test results. This study provides important information to guide future pragmatic research to optimise the delivery of cognitive information to patients with SLE.


Author(s):  
Kimiora Raerino ◽  
Alex Macmillan ◽  
Adrian Field ◽  
Rau Hoskins

In settler countries, attention is now extending to the wellbeing benefits of recognising and promoting the Indigenous cultural identity of neighbourhoods as a contributing factor to more equitable and healthier communities. Re-indigenisation efforts to (re)implement cultural factors into urban design can be challenging and ineffective without the leadership and collaboration of local-Indigenous peoples. Undertaken in Aotearoa New Zealand, Te Ara Mua — Future Street project, demonstrated that co-design has critical potential in the reclamation of Indigenous autonomy, increased local-Indigenous presence and revitalisation of cultural identity. Employing a Kaupapa Māori (Māori-centred) research approach, we focused on the workings and perspectives of mana whenua (local-Indigenous peoples) and community stakeholder engagement in Te Ara Mua. An Indigenous theoretical framework, Te Pae Mahutonga, was utilised in the data analysis to explore perspectives of Indigenous collective agency, empowerment, and wellbeing. Our research demonstrates that developing capacity amongst Indigenous communities is integral for effective engagement and that the realisation of autonomy in urban design projects has broader implications for Indigenous sovereignty, spatial justice and health equity. Significantly, we argue that future community enhancement strategies must include not only re-designing and re-imagining initiatives, but also re-indigenising.


2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
pp. 205435812199683
Author(s):  
Noor El-Dassouki ◽  
Dorothy Wong ◽  
Deanna M. Toews ◽  
Jagbir Gill ◽  
Beth Edwards ◽  
...  

Background: Kidney transplantation (KT), a treatment option for end-stage kidney disease (ESKD), is associated with longer survival and improved quality of life compared with dialysis. Inequities in access to KT, and specifically, living donor kidney transplantation (LDKT), have been documented in Canada along various demographic dimensions. In this article, we review existing evidence about inequitable access and barriers to KT and LDKT for patients from Indigenous communities in Canada. Objective: To characterize the current state of literature on access to KT and LDKT among Indigenous communities in Canada and to answer the research question, “what factors may influence inequitable access to KT among Indigenous communities in Canada.” Eligibility criteria: Databases and gray literature were searched in June and November 2020 for full-text original research articles or gray literature resources addressing KT access or barriers in Indigenous communities in Canada. A total of 26 articles were analyzed thematically. Sources of evidence: Gray literature and CINAHL, OVID Medline, OVID Embase, and Cochrane databases. Charting methods: Literature characteristics were recorded and findings which described rates of and factors that influence access to KT were summarized in a narrative account. Key themes were subsequently identified and synthesized thematically in the review. Results: Indigenous communities in Canada experience various barriers in accessing culturally safe medical information and care, resulting in inequitable access to KT. Barriers include insufficient incorporation of Indigenous ways of knowing and being in information dissemination and care for ESKD and KT, spiritual concerns, health beliefs, logistical hurdles to accessing care, and systemic mistrust resulting from colonialism and systemic racism. Limitations: This review included studies that used various methodologies and did not assess study quality. Data on Indigenous status were not reported or defined in a standardized manner. Indigenous communities are not homogeneous and views on organ donation and KT vary by individual. Conclusions: Our scoping review has identified potential barriers that Indigenous communities may face in accessing KT and LDKT. Further research is urgently needed to better understand barriers and support needs and to develop strategies to improve equitable access to KT and LDKT for Indigenous populations in Canada.


Author(s):  
Maria Alejandra Hernandez Marentes ◽  
Martina Venturi ◽  
Silvia Scaramuzzi ◽  
Marco Focacci ◽  
Antonio Santoro

AbstractChagras are complex agroforestry systems developed by indigenous populations of the Amazon region based on shifting agriculture, as part of a system that includes harvesting of wild fruits and plants, hunting and fishing. During the centuries, thanks to their traditional knowledge, indigenous populations have developed a deep relationship with the surrounding environment, as, living in remote places, they must be self-sufficient. The result is the chagra, a system whose cycle is based on seven basic steps to establish a successful and sustainable system, starting from place selection and ending with the abandonment of the plot after harvesting of the products. After the abandonment, the forest starts to grow again to allow the agroecosystem to recover and to take advantage of the residual vegetal material to avoid erosion. The paper takes into consideration the Indigenous Reserve of Monochoa in Colombia as an example of how traditional knowledge can support a rich biodiversity conservation. Moreover, differently from other parts of the world where there is a growing contrast between indigenous communities and protected areas, in the Indigenous Reserve of Monochoa local communities have been recognized as the owners of the land. Results highlighted the crucial role of the indigenous communities for biodiversity conservation. The preservation and adaptation of traditional knowledge and practices, a decentralized autonomous governance system demonstrates that local communities not only can be part of ecosystems with unique biodiversity, but that they can represent the main actors for an active conservation of biodiversity. Agroforestry systems based on traditional forest-related knowledge can therefore be an effective alternative to biodiversity and ecosystem services conservation based on strict nature protection where humans are perceived as a negative factor.


Author(s):  
Margaret J.R. Gidgup ◽  
Marion Kickett ◽  
Tammy Weselman ◽  
Keith Hill ◽  
Julieann Coombes ◽  
...  

The objective of this qualitative systematic review was to synthesize all evidence to understand the barriers and enablers to older Indigenous peoples (aged 40 years and older) engaging in physical activity. Four databases were searched. Study quality was assessed from an Indigenous perspective, using an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander quality appraisal tool. Data were analyzed using thematic synthesis. There were 4,246 articles screened with 23 articles and one report included from over 30 Indigenous communities across four countries. Cultural Safety and Security was a key enabler, including developing physical activity programs which are led by Indigenous communities and preference Indigenous values. Colonization was a key barrier that created mistrust and uncertainty. Social Determinants of Health, including cost, were supported by successful programs, but if not addressed, were demotivators of engagement. Older Indigenous peoples identified barriers and enablers that can direct the development of sustainable, culturally appropriate physical activity programs.


2020 ◽  
Vol 44 (2) ◽  
pp. 205
Author(s):  
Elissa Elvidge ◽  
Yin Paradies ◽  
Rosemary Aldrich ◽  
Carl Holder

ObjectiveThe aim of the present study was to develop a scale to measure cultural safety in hospitals from an Aboriginal patient perspective. MethodsThe Cultural Safety Survey was designed to measure five key characteristics of cultural safety that contribute to positive hospital experiences among Aboriginal hospital patients. Investigators developed a range of different methods to assess the validity and reliability of the scale using a sample of 316 participants who had attended a New South Wales hospital in the past 12 months. Targeted recruitment was conducted at two hospital sites. Opportunistic recruitment took place through a local health district, discharge follow-up service and online via social media. ResultsThe Cultural Safety Survey Scale was a robust measurement tool that demonstrated a high level of content and construct validity. ConclusionThe Cultural Safety Survey Scale could be a useful tool for measuring cultural safety in hospitals from the Aboriginal patient perspective. What is known about the topic?There are increasing calls by governments around the world for health institutions to enhance the cultural safety of their services as one way of removing access barriers and increasing health equity. However, currently there are no critical indicators or systematic methods of measuring cultural safety from the patient perspective. What does this paper add?The cultural safety scale, an Australian first, presents the first empirically validated tool that measures cultural safety from the Aboriginal patient perspective. What are the implications for practitioners?This measurement model will allow hospitals to measure the cultural safety of their services and ascertain whether current efforts aimed to improve cultural safety are resulting in Aboriginal patients reporting more culturally safe experiences. Over time it is hoped that the tool will be used to benchmark performance and eventually be adopted as a performance measure for hospitals across New South Wales.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mahsa Roozrokh Arshadi Montazer ◽  
Roohollah Zahediannasb ◽  
Roxana Sharifian ◽  
Mahshid Tahamtan ◽  
Mahdi Nasiri ◽  
...  

AbstractBackgroundMild cognitive impairment (MCI) is an intermediate stage of cognitive decline fitting in-between normal cognition and dementia. With the growing aging population, this study aimed to develop and psychometrically validate an android-based application for early MCI detection in elderly subjects.MethodThis study was conducted in two phases, including 1-Initial design and prototyping of the application named M-Check, 2-psychometric evaluation. After the design and development of the M-Check app, it was evaluated by experts and elderly subjects. Face validity was determined by two checklists provided to the expert panel and the elderly subjects. Convergent validity of the M-Check app was assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) battery through Pearson correlation. Test-retest and internal consistency and reliability were evaluated using Intra-Class Correlation (ICC) and Kuder-Richardson coefficients, respectively. In addition, the usability was assessed by a System Usability Scale (SUS) questionnaire. SPSS 16.0 was employed to analyze the data.ResultThe app’s usability assessment by elderlies and experts scored 77.11 and 82.5, respectively. Also, the correlation showed that the M-Check app was negatively correlated with the MoCA test (r = -0.71, p <0.005), and the ICC was more than 0.7. Moreover, the Richardson’s Coder coefficient was 0.82, corresponding to an acceptable reliability.ConclusionIn this study, we validated the M-Check app for the detection of MCI based on the growing need for cognitive assessment tools that can identify early decline. Such screeners are expected to take much shorter time than typical neuropsychological batteries do. Additional work are yet to be underway to ensure that M-Check is ready to launch and used without the presence of a trained person.


Elem Sci Anth ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Elena Gladun ◽  
Soili Nysten-Haarala ◽  
Svetlana Tulaeva

There is a growing global interest in Arctic natural resources that have a strong influence on the local economies. The Arctic economy is a rather unique phenomenon encompassing Indigenous practices, local economic activities, and industrial development. Indigenous economies vary across the Arctic states and exhibit divergent economic mixtures. In globalizing societies and full market economies, traditional Indigenous economies are changing and perceived especially by the non-Indigenous to be a tribute to old customs rather than a way of life that is being followed by the young generation. However, certain groups of the contemporary Indigenous populations in the Arctic continue to preserve their culture and ensure the continuation of Indigenous ways of life. The development of Indigenous communities is closely linked to their economic well-being, on the one hand, and to their culture and traditions, on the other. Our article contributes to the discussion on the significance of Indigenous economies in providing sustainability in terms of Indigenous communities, their culture, and traditions. The research objective is to identify strategies and tools that sustain Indigenous economies as well as the goals of various stakeholders in encouraging and supporting the traditional economic activities of Indigenous peoples. We contrast three countries—Russia, Finland, and the United States (Alaska)—and discuss some governmental strategies that can be employed for preserving unique Indigenous economies. The research methods consist of a content analysis of state and regional legislation and strategies, social studies of stakeholders’ opinions, case studies describing market infrastructure, and economic activities as well as features of traditional lifestyles and Indigenous knowledge typical of these regions.


Author(s):  
Prajjval Pratap Singh ◽  
Prashanth Suravajhala ◽  
Chandana Basu Mallick ◽  
Rakesh Tamang ◽  
Ashutosh Kumar Rai ◽  
...  

AbstractThe rapid expansion of coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 has impacted various ethnic groups all over the world. The burden of infectious diseases including COVID-19 are generally reported to be higher for the Indigenous people. The historical knowledge have also suggested that the indigenous populations suffer more than the general populations in the pandemic. Recently, it has been reported that the indigenous groups of Brazil have been massively affected by COVID-19. Series of studies have shown that many of the indigenous communities reached at the verge of extinction due to this pandemic. Importantly, South Asia also has several indigenous and smaller communities, that are living in isolation. Till date, despite the two consecutive waves in India, there is no report on the impact of COVID-19 for indigenous tribes. Since smaller populations experiencing drift may have greater risk of such pandemic, we have analysed Runs of Homozygosity (ROH) among South Asian populations and identified several populations with longer homozygous segments. The longer runs of homozygosity at certain genomic regions may increases the susceptibility for COVID-19. Thus, we suggest extreme careful management of this pandemic among isolated populations of South Asia.


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