Identifying sexual health protective factors among northern plains American Indian youth: An ecological approach utilizing multiple perspectives

Emily R. Griese, Den Yelle Baete Kenyon, Tracey R. McMahon

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

22 Scopus citations

Abstract

This study examined aspects of the sociocultural context in which American Indian (AI) teen pregnancy occurs, focusing specifically on protective factors for Northern Plains AI youth. Principles of community-based participatory research guided the qualitative data collection from 185 community members (focus groups with AI youth, youth parents, and elders; interviews with health care providers and school personnel) from a reservation and an urban community. Results indicated three protective systems impacted the sexual health and behaviors of AI youth: school, family, and enculturation. These findings provide a better understanding of how specific protective factors within these systems may buffer AI youth from involvement in risky sexual behaviors and work to inform culturally relevant prevention and intervention efforts.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)16-43
Number of pages28
JournalAmerican Indian and Alaska Native Mental Health Research
Volume23
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - 2016
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Education
  • Anthropology
  • History
  • Psychology(all)
  • Psychiatry and Mental health

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