Native Culture and Language Experiences: Supporting the Health of American Indian/Alaska Native Children

• In Event: Poster Session 10
  In Poster Session: PS 10 Topic - Solicited Content: Indigenous Children and Families

Abstract

Native culture and language practice have been identified as core positive supports that have allowed American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities to persevere despite adversity (Lowe & Struther, 2004; Weaver et al., 1999). Exposure to cultural practices, such as participating in ceremonial dance, traditional songs, or gathering traditional foods, may act as protective factors against negative health outcomes among AI/AN youth (Barnes-Najor et al., 2019). Further, language exposure may protect against chronic disease (Coe et al., 2004) and decrease negative physical health indicators, such as alcohol and drug abuse, obesity, psycho-social issues (Hodge & Nandy, 2011). Given these findings, Native culture and language may be important protective factors against obesity; however, this relationship is understudied in the current literature. High obesity rates among AI/AN young children continue to persist despite Native culture and language practice. AI/AN youth are at high risk of developing coronary heart disease, hypertension, and type 2 diabetes in adulthood (Espey et al., 2014; Indian Health Service, 2019; Story et al., 2003; Turner Goins & Pilkerton, 2010). Food insecurity is an understudied correlate of obesity and its associated health conditions (Jernigan et al., 2017). When food insecurity is experienced early in life, it is strongly associated with obesity, diabetes, and hypertension (Adams et al., 2003; Hernandez et al., 2017; Jernigan et al., 2017; Kaiser et al., 2004; Smith et al., 2016), making it important to study the relationships between food insecurity and obesity among young children. Notably, food insecurity has been linked with food sovereignty and colonialism in Native communities (Trauger, 2014). This study addresses gaps in the existing literature to examine the association between childhood obesity and food insecurity among 3- to 5-year old AI/AN children, and to examine whether Native culture and language may support resiliency. The study will explore three hypotheses: (1) Boys will have higher obesity rates than girls; (2) Food insecurity will be positively associated with obesity in 3-to 5-year old AI/AN children; and (3) Native culture and language use will be protective, such that the relationship between food insecurity and obesity will decreased for children who are exposed to their Native culture and language compared to children without these cultural ties. Children’s food insecurity status level, a Native culture practice index, and a Native language use scale are used to predict obesity within a sample (n=766) from the AI/AN Family and Children Experiences Survey 2015 of children who identify as AI/AN alone or in combination with another race. A Hierarchical Ordinary Least Squares regression will be used to explore all three hypotheses. For the first hypotheses, percentages of obesity rates between boys and girls will be compared. The incremental F-test statistic will be interpreted for the second and third hypotheses. Because this study includes a secondary data analysis and I have access to the data, data analysis will be done by December 2020. The findings from this study may support culturally responsive programs, policies, and early interventions needed to increase overall, long-term health and well-being in AI/AN children.

Authors

• Jessica Sandra Saucedo, Michigan State University
  Presenting Author

• Jessica V Barnes-Najor, Michigan State University
  Non-Presenting Author

• Kyungsook Lee, Michigan State University
  Non-Presenting Author

• Lana Garcia, Pueblo of Jemez Walatowa Head Start
  Non-Presenting Author