Medical records of 33 Alaska Native suicides were compared to medical records of a control group matched for age, sex, and race. The only significant differences between groups were higher rates of alcohol abuse and prior suicide attempts among the suicide group. Suicide rates for Alaska Natives were twice the national average during the study…

Examines in detail the political and ethical dilemmas encountered when results of the Barrow Alcohol Study generated considerable reaction in the scientific community, popular press, and local population. Argues difficulties might have been avoided with better insight into community belief regarding the nature of the problem and better community…

Proposes ethical principles for Arctic research suggested by the Barrow Alcohol Study. Suggests that lack of understanding of the Native community, the mistaken assumption that informed consent had been obtained, and the influence of (and political struggles among) non-Native institutions and agencies contributed to the problems. (DHP)

Examines an analysis of the Barrow Alcohol Study by applying a set of parameters for community-based research from a collaborative and participatory research framework. Suggests that research must build the capacity of the studied communities to become the researchers of the needs of their own communities. (DHP)

Structured interviews with 216 Eskimos in 2 rural Alaska villages examined sources of "sadness" and "happiness" (cultural expressions of mental illness and health), as well as personal resources and sources of support. Results were analyzed by age and gender. Contains 20 references, the interview questions, and response…

Compared crime rates of Alaska Native villages operating under Western social control with those of villages maintaining sovereign control (Yupi'it Nation villages). Hypothesized a link between degree of assimilation into Western culture and social disorganization. Rates for felonies and misdemeanors were lower in Nation villages, except for…

Describes a new attitude toward social science research on Alaska Natives' and American Indians' problems resulting from growing tribal appreciation of the usefulness of research, increased academic and professional training of Natives, more researchers with long-term working relationships with tribal groups, federal research funding requirements,…

During 1977-87, almost half of all deaths in rural interior Alaska resulted from accidents, suicide, or homicide. These causes of death were significantly higher among Natives compared to non-Natives or to other Alaska Native populations, among males compared to females, and among adolescents and young adults compared to other age groups. Includes…

Despite dramatic increases in the number of Indian Health Service alcoholism programs and total expenditures, alcoholism mortality for American Indians and Alaska Natives increased 40%, 1986-90. Data analysis reveals little relationship of mortality rate with allocations, number of service components available, or per capita expenditures. Includes…

Proposes that the Barrow Alcohol Study be viewed as a learning experience demonstrating paternalism of researchers toward weaknesses of Alaska Natives. Stresses the importance of meaningful community involvement in all phases of a research project. Suggests that today the researcher-community relationship is becoming less exploitive and more…

The University of North Dakota's (UND) Indians into Psychology Doctoral Education program seeks to identify and recruit promising American Indian students into the field of psychology and to provide culturally appropriate training to all UND students. The staff, including three American Indian psychologists, provide a culturally sensitive program…

Study and 6-month followup of 3,622 drug users in Tucson, Flagstaff, and Anchorage found that American Indian and Alaska Native drug users were younger, less educated, and less likely to be employed than non-Native subjects. Individuals employed at intake or followup had lower levels of HIV risk factors: injection drug use and needle sharing.…

Survey of 124 vocational rehabilitation (VR) counselors in 14 states examined characteristics of American Indian and Alaska Native VR clients with alcoholism or drug abuse problems, aspects of the counselor-client relationship, VR services provided, minimum period of sobriety required, counselor training and training needs, and ratings of…

The nine major overview and position papers contained in the monograph were originally presented at a conference held for the purpose of reviewing, from the Native American perspective, the National Institute of Medicine's comprehensive volume, "Health and Behavior: Frontiers of Research in the Biobehavioral Sciences." The papers, each…

Analysis of responses of 10,251 high school students surveyed in the 1997 National School-Based Youth Risk Survey indicated that American Indian males more frequently carried weapons, attempted suicide, and used drugs than did White or Black youths. American Indian females more frequently attempted suicide and used cocaine than did White or Black…