International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health

Research

11 pages, 990 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Best Practices to Support the Self-Determination of Indigenous Communities, Collectives, and Organizations in Health Research through a Provincial Health Research Network Environment in British Columbia, Canada

by Tara Erb and Krista Stelkia

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(15), 6523; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20156523 - 4 Aug 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2173

Abstract

In Canada, the health research funding landscape limits the self-determination of Indigenous peoples in multiple ways, including institutional eligibility, priority setting, and institutional structures that deprioritize Indigenous knowledges. However, Indigenous-led research networks represent a promising approach to transforming the funding landscape to better [...] Read more.

In Canada, the health research funding landscape limits the self-determination of Indigenous peoples in multiple ways, including institutional eligibility, priority setting, and institutional structures that deprioritize Indigenous knowledges. However, Indigenous-led research networks represent a promising approach to transforming the funding landscape to better support the self-determination of Indigenous peoples in health research. The British Columbia Network Environment for Indigenous Health Research (BC NEIHR) is one of nine Indigenous-led networks across Canada that supports research leadership among Indigenous (First Nations, Métis, and Inuit) communities, collectives, and organizations (ICCOs). In this paper, we share three best practices to support the self-determination of ICCOs in health research based on three years of operating the BC NEIHR: (1) creating capacity-bridging initiatives to overcome funding barriers; (2) building relational research relationships with ICCOs (“people on the ground”); and (3) establishing a network of partnerships and collaborations to support ICCO self-determination. Supporting the self-determination of ICCOs and enabling them to lead their own health research is a critical pathway toward transforming the way Indigenous health research is funded and conducted in Canada. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue First Nations’ Health and Wellbeing Promotion: Within and beyond Health Systems)

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12 pages, 345 KiB

Open AccessArticle

He Karanga Maha. Investigating Relational Resource Management in Aotearoa, New Zealand

by Sarah Rewi and Daniel Hikuroa

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(8), 5556; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20085556 - 18 Apr 2023

Viewed by 1553

Abstract

Reciprocity amongst Māori peoples and the natural world is the foundation of the Māori worldview and natural resource management. Autonomy over resource management and the associated practices is an essential component of Māori wellbeing. This paper investigates the cultural, spiritual, historical, and ecological [...] Read more.

Reciprocity amongst Māori peoples and the natural world is the foundation of the Māori worldview and natural resource management. Autonomy over resource management and the associated practices is an essential component of Māori wellbeing. This paper investigates the cultural, spiritual, historical, and ecological dimensions of mutton-bird harvesting, to gain a better understanding of the relational approach of Māori natural resource management. Resource management in Aotearoa New Zealand currently lacks the relational approach seen in Māori customary harvests. Therefore, the objective of this study is to identify the key values that underpin this cultural practice. Semi-structured interviews identified three key themes: harvesting practices, kaitiakitanga (resource management based on a Māori worldview), and whanaungatanga (kinship between people). Harvest practices had a bottom-up governance approach creating diverse harvesting techniques that adapt to local environments. Kaitiakitanga identified mana whenua rights to decision-making power in natural resource management as a requirement for success. Whanaungatanga also identified relationships and collaboration as a vital component. To optimize the best outcomes for the environment, we advocate for a genuine cross-cultural and relational approach and the inclusion of these practices and values in the governance of natural resources in Aotearoa New Zealand. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue First Nations’ Health and Wellbeing Promotion: Within and beyond Health Systems)

16 pages, 359 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Indigenous and Non-Indigenous Theories of Wellbeing and Their Suitability for Wellbeing Policy

by Tamara Mackean, Madison Shakespeare and Matthew Fisher

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(18), 11693; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph191811693 - 16 Sep 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3137

Abstract

A growing interest among governments in policies to promote wellbeing has the potential to revive a social view of health promotion. However, success may depend on the way governments define wellbeing and conceptualize ways to promote it. We analyze theories of wellbeing to [...] Read more.

A growing interest among governments in policies to promote wellbeing has the potential to revive a social view of health promotion. However, success may depend on the way governments define wellbeing and conceptualize ways to promote it. We analyze theories of wellbeing to discern twelve types of wellbeing theory and assess the suitability of each type of theory as a basis for effective wellbeing policies. We used Durie’s methodology of working at the interface between knowledge systems and Indigenous dialogic methods of yarning and deep listening. We analyzed selected literature on non-Indigenous theories and Indigenous theories from Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the United States to develop a typology of wellbeing theories. We applied political science perspectives on theories of change in public policy to assess the suitability of each type of theory to inform wellbeing policies. We found that some theory types define wellbeing purely as a property of individuals, whilst others define it in terms of social or environmental conditions. Each approach has weaknesses regarding the theory of change in wellbeing policy. Indigenous relational theories transcend an ‘individual or environment’ dichotomy, providing for pluralistic approaches to health promotion. A broad theoretic approach to wellbeing policy, encompassing individual, social, equity-based and environmental perspectives, is recommended. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue First Nations’ Health and Wellbeing Promotion: Within and beyond Health Systems)

20 pages, 382 KiB

Open AccessArticle

American Indian Motherhood and Historical Trauma: Keetoowah Experiences of Becoming Mothers

by December Maxwell, Rebecca Mauldin, Johanna Thomas and Victoria Holland

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(12), 7088; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19127088 - 9 Jun 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2121

Abstract

Background: American Indian/Alaskan Native (AI/AN) women disproportionally experience postpartum depression in the United States as compared to the rest of the population. Despite being disproportionately represented, the current body of knowledge lacks research on depression in this particular population. Specifically, the current literature [...] Read more.

Background: American Indian/Alaskan Native (AI/AN) women disproportionally experience postpartum depression in the United States as compared to the rest of the population. Despite being disproportionately represented, the current body of knowledge lacks research on depression in this particular population. Specifically, the current literature lacks research pertaining to the experiences of postpartum AI/AN women, their culture, birthing and mothering expectations, and trauma. This qualitative study used the theories of becoming a mother, historical-trauma framework, and reproductive justice as they relate to Indigenous women’s personal and historical trauma to assess their lived experiences of becoming a mother. Methods: Keetoowah mothers (N = 8) were interviewed by using a story inquiry method to understand the perinatal experiences of members of one Indigenous tribe in the US. Findings: The story inquiry coding resulted in two main themes, namely maternal mental health challenges and inadequacies of perinatal care. Conclusion: The subthemes illuminate the intersection of historical trauma and the perinatal experience, continued colonization of mothering, and the resilience of tribal culture during the postpartum period. Implications include advocacy for increasing culturally derived perinatal interventions, increased healthcare coverage of culturally appropriate birthing practices, and future research evaluating the correlation between historical trauma and maternal mental health challenges. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue First Nations’ Health and Wellbeing Promotion: Within and beyond Health Systems)

Review

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28 pages, 971 KiB

Open AccessReview

Indigenous Social Enterprises and Health and Wellbeing: A Scoping Review and Conceptual Framework

by Sara Hudson, Dennis Foley and Margaret Cargo

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(21), 14478; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph192114478 - 4 Nov 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3150

Abstract

Indigenous people and communities are establishing social enterprises to address social disadvantage and overcome health inequities in their communities. This review sought to characterize the spectrum of Indigenous social enterprises in Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and the United States to identify the operational [...] Read more.

Indigenous people and communities are establishing social enterprises to address social disadvantage and overcome health inequities in their communities. This review sought to characterize the spectrum of Indigenous social enterprises in Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and the United States to identify the operational models and cultural values that underpin them and their impact on Indigenous health and wellbeing. The scoping review followed Arksey and O’Malley’s six-stage methodological framework with recommended enhancements by Levac et al. underpinned by Indigenous Standpoint Theory, and an Indigenous advisory group to provide cultural oversight and direction. Of the 589 documents screened 115 documents were included in the review. A conceptual framework of seven different operational models of Indigenous social enterprises was developed based on differing levels of Indigenous ownership, control, and management: (1) individual, (2) collective, (3) delegative, (4) developmental, (5) supportive, (6) prescriptive and (7) paternalistic. Models with 100% Indigenous ownership and control were more likely to contribute to improved health and wellbeing by increasing self-determination and strengthening culture and promoting healing than others. Indigenous social enterprises could offer a more holistic and sustainable approach to health equity and health promotion than the siloed, programmatic model common in public health policy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue First Nations’ Health and Wellbeing Promotion: Within and beyond Health Systems)

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Other

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8 pages, 301 KiB

Open AccessBrief Report

Social and Emotional Wellbeing of Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services Staff during the COVID-19 Pandemic

by Smriti Nepal, Sandra Bailey, Jamie Newman, Lachlan Wright, Natalie Smith, Michelle Dickson and Anna Williamson

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(12), 6060; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20126060 - 6 Jun 2023

Viewed by 1341

Abstract

This study explores the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the work and social and emotional well-being (SEWB) of staff at Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services (ACCHS) in Australia. Between September and November 2021, staff from three ACCHSs in New South Wales completed [...] Read more.

This study explores the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the work and social and emotional well-being (SEWB) of staff at Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services (ACCHS) in Australia. Between September and November 2021, staff from three ACCHSs in New South Wales completed an online survey to report changes to their roles, concerns about becoming infected with the COVID-19 virus, and job satisfaction in the last month. The survey measured emotional exhaustion and psychological distress by using the Maslach Burnout Inventory-Human Services Survey and Kessler-5 scale, respectively. The survey determined staff’s access to SEWB support. Descriptive statistics were calculated for each variable. Among 92 staff from three ACCHSs, 36% reported a COVID-19-related change in their role and 64% were concerned about becoming infected. In spite of the pandemic, most staff (69%) were satisfied with their job. While most staff were not burnt out or psychologically distressed, 25% had high emotional exhaustion and 30% had high to very high psychological distress. Relatedly, 37% had accessed SEWB support at least once in their lifetime and 24% had accessed support in the last month. As the pandemic continues, it is important to identify factors influencing burnout or psychological distress among ACCHS staff and implement evidence-based solutions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue First Nations’ Health and Wellbeing Promotion: Within and beyond Health Systems)

15 pages, 3128 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

A Scoping Review of Theoretical Lenses and Methodological Approaches in Indigenous Women’s Health and Well-Being Research in North America over the Past Two Decades

by Tricia McGuire-Adams, Janice Cindy Gaudet, Keira A. Loukes and Celeste Ferreira

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(8), 5479; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20085479 - 12 Apr 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1623

Abstract

Theoretical approaches influence research design, engagement, and outcomes. The relevance of critical theoretical and methodological approaches to Indigenous women’s health and well-being research has increased in the last decade. It is difficult to assess the ways in which theoretical lenses can effectively interrupt [...] Read more.

Theoretical approaches influence research design, engagement, and outcomes. The relevance of critical theoretical and methodological approaches to Indigenous women’s health and well-being research has increased in the last decade. It is difficult to assess the ways in which theoretical lenses can effectively interrupt and challenge systemic erasure, ongoing harms, and deficit-based (ill-health-centered) approaches to Indigenous women’s health and well-being, a fact that is not broadly acknowledged. We conducted a scoping review to (a) map the type and frequency of critical theoretical lenses used by researchers focused on Indigenous women’s health and well-being in North America over the past two decades and (b) identify which topics tend to use which theoretical lens. We have conducted a scoping review to examine peer-reviewed articles from eight electronic databases. In the articles selected over 2000–2021, we found an increase in the use of community-based participatory research, decolonial lenses, and feminist lenses. Over the last decade, there has been a decrease in quantitative social science approaches. While a range of critical theoretical and methodological approaches are increasingly being applied, the use of cultural resurgence and Indigenous feminism in health research is not widespread. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue First Nations’ Health and Wellbeing Promotion: Within and beyond Health Systems)

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7 pages, 300 KiB

Open AccessProtocol

Discharge Interventions for First Nations People with Injury or Chronic Conditions: A Protocol for a Systematic Review

by Julieann Coombes, Andrew J. A. Holland, Kate Hunter, Keziah Bennett-Brook, Courtney Ryder, Summer M. Finlay, Phillip Orcher, Mick Scarcella, Karl Briscoe, Dale Forbes, Madeleine Jacques, Roland Wilson, Elizabeth Bourke and Camila Kairuz

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(18), 11301; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph191811301 - 8 Sep 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1556

Abstract

Severe injury and chronic conditions require long-term management by multidisciplinary teams. Appropriate discharge planning ensures ongoing care to mitigate the long-term impact of injuries and chronic conditions. However, First Nations peoples in Australia face ongoing barriers to aftercare. This systematic review will locate [...] Read more.

Severe injury and chronic conditions require long-term management by multidisciplinary teams. Appropriate discharge planning ensures ongoing care to mitigate the long-term impact of injuries and chronic conditions. However, First Nations peoples in Australia face ongoing barriers to aftercare. This systematic review will locate and analyse global evidence of discharge interventions that have been implemented to improve aftercare and enhance health outcomes among First Nations people with an injury or chronic condition. A systematic search will be conducted using five databases, Google, and Google scholar. Global studies published in English will be included. We will analyse aftercare interventions implemented and the health outcomes associated. Two independent reviewers will screen and select studies and then extract and analyse the data. Quality appraisal of the included studies will be conducted using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool and the CONSIDER statement. The proposed study will analyse global evidence on discharge interventions that have been implemented for First Nations people with an injury or chronic conditions and their associated health outcomes. Our findings will guide healthcare quality improvement to ensure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have ongoing access to culturally safe aftercare services. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue First Nations’ Health and Wellbeing Promotion: Within and beyond Health Systems)

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