Challenges to Evaluating Physical Activity Programs in American Indian/Alaska Native Communities

2017 ◽  
Vol 39 (2) ◽  
pp. 166-182
Author(s):  
Erica Blue Roberts ◽  
James Butler ◽  
Kerry M. Green
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
American Indian ◽  
Alaska Native ◽  
Culturally Responsive ◽  
Funding Agency ◽  
Native Communities ◽  
Responsive Evaluation ◽  
Obesity And Diabetes ◽  
Evaluation Staff ◽  
Depth Interviews

Despite the importance of evaluation to successful programming, a lack of physical activity program (PAP) evaluation for American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) programs exists, which is significant given the high rates of obesity and diabetes in this population. While evaluation barriers have been identified broadly among AI/AN programs, challenges specific to physical activity (PA) programming are unexplored. To address this gap, a research study was conducted involving 17 in-depth interviews with evaluation staff of externally funded AI/AN PAPs. A thematic analysis revealed factors hindering meaningful program evaluation: cultural characteristics that challenge traditional evaluation, the logistics of PA programming, measurement and data collection challenges, lack of resources and support, and lack of alignment between funding agency requirements and the evaluation desired by AI/AN organizations. Some challenges are general to PAPs and others specific to AI/AN organizations. Findings identify ways to improve culturally responsive evaluation for AI/AN PAPs.

Speech-Language Assessment Considerations for American Indian and Alaska Native Children Who Are Dual Language Learners

2017 ◽  
Vol 2 (14) ◽  
pp. 29-40 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christine Vining ◽  
Edgarita Long ◽  
Ella Inglebret ◽  
Megan Brendal
Keyword(s):  
American Indian ◽  
Language Learners ◽  
Alaska Native ◽  
Dual Language ◽  
Linguistic Diversity ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Language Assessment ◽  
Assessment Process ◽  
Dual Language Learners ◽  
Native Communities

The overrepresentation of American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) children in special education, including children who are dual language learners (DLLs), is a major concern. Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) can play a critical role in reducing this overrepresentation. Using a holistic assessment process that is responsive to the communication patterns of home and community contexts provides a framework for distinguishing actual language disorders from differences associated with cultural and linguistic diversity. This article presents current trends in Native communities that may impact the speech-language assessment process, including a shift from indigenous languages to English and/or Native language revitalization efforts. It also provides a framework for guiding assessment in a manner that considers cultural and linguistic factors in speech-language assessment for AI/AN children who are DLLs.

scholarly journals Effect of Incentives for Alcohol Abstinence in Partnership With 3 American Indian and Alaska Native Communities

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael G. McDonell ◽  
Katherine A. Hirchak ◽  
Jalene Herron ◽  
Abram J. Lyons ◽  
Karl C. Alcover ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
American Indian ◽  
Alaska Native ◽  
Native Communities ◽  
Alcohol Abstinence

scholarly journals Recruitment and retention in randomized controlled trials with urban American Indian/Alaska Native adolescents: Challenges and lessons learned

2020 ◽  
pp. 174077452097177
Author(s):  
Daniel L Dickerson ◽  
Jennifer Parker ◽  
Carrie L Johnson ◽  
Ryan A Brown ◽  
Elizabeth J D’Amico
Keyword(s):  
Substance Use ◽  
American Indian ◽  
Randomized Controlled Trials ◽  
Alaska Native ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
Substance Use Prevention ◽  
Recruitment And Retention ◽  
Native Communities ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Urban American Indian

Background: Although the majority of American Indians/Alaska Natives reside in urban areas, there are very few randomized controlled trials analyzing culturally centered substance use prevention interventions for this population. Methods: We describe methods employed to recruit and retain urban American Indian/Alaska Native adolescents into a randomized controlled trial, which was focused on testing the potential benefits of a substance use prevention intervention for this population. We also report challenges encountered in recruitment and retention of participants and strategies employed addressing these challenges. Data collection occurred from August 2014 to October 2017. Results: We partnered with two community-based organizations in different cities in California. We utilized American Indian/Alaska Native recruiters from communities, placed flyers in community-based organizations, and asked organizations to post flyers on their web and social media sites. We also offered gift cards for participants. Our initial recruitment and retention model was moderately successful; however, we encountered five main challenges: (1) transportation, (2) increasing trust and interest, (3) adding research sites, (4) getting the word out about the project, and (5) getting youth to complete follow-up surveys. Strategies employed to overcome transportation challenges included shortening the number of sessions, offering sessions on both weekends and weekdays, and increasing bus tokens and transportation options. We hired more staff from American Indian/Alaska Native communities, added more research sites from our previously established relationships, and were more proactive in getting the word out on the project in American Indian/Alaska Native communities. We also utilized more field tracking and emailed and mailed survey invitations to reach more participants for their follow-up surveys. Because of our efforts, we were nearly able to reach our initial recruitment and retention goals. Conclusion: Although our research team had previously established relationships with various urban American Indian/Alaska Native communities, we encountered various recruitment and retention challenges in our study. However, by identifying challenges and employing culturally appropriate strategies, we were able to collect valuable data on the potential effectiveness of a substance use prevention intervention for urban American Indian/Alaska Native adolescents. Findings from this study assist toward the development of potentially successful strategies to successfully recruit and retain urban American Indian/Alaska Native adolescents in randomized controlled trials.

Evidence-Informed, Culture-Based Interventions and Best Practices in American Indian and Alaska Native Communities

2015 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. Dale Walker ◽  
Douglas A. Bigelow
Keyword(s):  
Health Services ◽  
Best Practices ◽  
American Indian ◽  
Behavioral Health ◽  
Alaska Native ◽  
Ways Of Knowing ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Native Communities ◽  
Knowledge And Practice ◽  
Evidence Based Programs

This chapter provides information and advice to audiences at the practice, program management, and governance levels concerned with “evidence-based programs and practices” in Native Communities. The authors emphasize a defense of culture-based knowledge and practice because the systematic attempt to impose an “evidence-based” mandate on providers of behavioral health services in Native Communities has not been an incentive to incorporate scientifically tested information about interventions. The approach recommended here respects and accommodates culture-based knowledge, ways of knowing, and practice in Native Communities while facilitating the uptake of science-based knowledge.

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