Culturally sensitive assessments as a strength-based approach to wellness in Native communities: a community-based participatory research project
While education is deemed an important determinant of health, for Native people education is also a site of historical trauma. Native elders (age 55-80) were interviewed to look at the impact of education on health and well-being.
Verney, S. P., Avila, M., Espinosa, P. R., Cholka, C. B., Benson, J. G., Baloo, A., & Pozernick, C. D. (2016). Culturally sensitive assessments as a strength-based approach to wellness in Native communities: a community-based participatory research project. American Indian and Alaska Native Mental Health Research, 23(3), 271-292.
Questionnaires & Structured Interviews
Assessment and feedback questionnaires
Inductive or data-driven approach to qualitative data analysis - thematic content analysis approach
In this study, Native elders (age 55-80) were interviewed to look at the impact of education on health and well-being. While education is deemed an important determinant of health, for Native people education is also a site of historical trauma. The study was completed through a series of questionnaires and structured interviews. While many participants enjoyed the experience of remembering and reminiscing, themes of loss (culture and language) are also present.
Community advisory committee informed development of project as well as guidance and feedback throughout
"[CAC] suggestions included interviewer personal and cultural self-disclosure, a script that explained the assessment and its purpose in user-friendly, non-technical language, continued and genuine expressions of appreciation for stories told and information shared, attention to emotions displayed, ample opportunities for emotional sharing free of bias and judgment, and awareness of nonverbal behavior." (p. 276)
"The CBPR approach and the CAC were critical and invaluable in the success of this project. Based on the findings, we recommend identifying diverse community members who can serve as members of a Native CAC and incorporating key CBPR principles when conducting research with Native communities in both rural and urban settings." (p. 287)
Questionnaires & Interviews Transcripts
2 Evaluation measures created: Quality of Education Questionnaire (QEQ) and the end-of-session questionnaire.
"… project focused on engaging AIs in the feedback and design of culturally sensitive assessments used to learn about older AIs' early childhood experiences and health… The CAC provided training to the research assistants regarding culturally designed instrumentation questions, and the project provided insight and training on how this type of research usually was conducted with non-tribal populations." (p. 285)
"A large portion of participants reported that they enjoyed remembering stories of their childhood and education experiences. In addition to simply remembering past events, participants reported having insights into their life stories, and some reported a commitment to changing their behavior going forward as a result of these insights (e.g., teaching their children more about their culture)" (p. 284)
Education
Early childhood education
early childhood studies
Health
Social Sciences