Social Determinants of Health Among American Indians and Alaska Natives and Tribal Communitie

Course overview

This continuing education course is based on the peer-reviewed journal article by the same title published in 2024 in the International Journal of Maternal and Child Health and AIDS (Singh et al., 2024). This course examines the social determinants of health and disease outcomes among American Indians and Alaska Natives (AIANs), tribal communities, and other population groups in the United States. The current study (Singh et al., 2024) analyzed comprehensive national data from the 1990 to 2022 National Vital Statistics System, the 2015-2022 American Community Survey, and the 2018-2020 Behavioral Risk Factors Surveillance System. Participants will explore persistent health inequities and socioeconomic disparities affecting AIAN populations, including life expectancy, infant mortality, disability, poverty, and access to healthcare. The course highlights the impact of historical trauma, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the digital divide on health outcomes, and compares AIAN health indicators with those of other major racial and ethnic groups in the United States. Participants will be able to identify and discuss the unique challenges faced by AIAN communities and analyze evidence-based policy and practice strategies to promote health equity and improve well-being in tribal populations. This course is appropriate for psychologists, counselors, social workers, and marriage and family therapists at all levels of learning.