The Indian Specific Health Risk Appraisal and measures assessing beliefs about health risks were completed by 200 Northern Plains urban American Indians. Participants rated personal risk optimistically, judged their risk factor standing as lower than peers', and were not changing behaviors related to acknowledged personal risks. Such biases may…

Among 119 low-income Canada Natives living in Saskatoon, interview survey found utilization of traditional medicine (1) did not detract from utilization of Western medical services; (2) was related to proficiency in an Indian language; and (3) was not related to difficulty in using Western medicine, age, income, or education. Contains 24…

A survey of 100 American Indians in New York City examined sexual behaviors, lifetime HIV risk behaviors, substance use, sexual attitudes, experience of domestic or stranger violence, and HIV information needs and preferred information sources. Although relatively knowledgeable about HIV, respondents did not reflect that knowledge in safe sex…

Survey of 148 college educated, employed American Indian women in urban Wisconsin examined sex role orientation and indicators of mental well-being. Sex-typed respondents had significantly higher depression, higher role conflict, lower self-esteem, and lower life satisfaction than cross-typed or androgynous respondents. Undifferentiated…

Among 68 urban American Indians attending a substance abuse treatment program in Denver, most (1) were not active in Indian religion or culture; (2) had low educational attainment and very low income; (3) underestimated the severity of their problems; and (4) did not finish the program. Contains 11 references. (SV)

Surveys of 30 mental health service providers and 74 American Indian consumers of such services in Butte, Montana, examined mental health services offered for adults and children, service use by American Indians, referral practices, providers' and consumers' perceptions of the mental health needs of American Indians, and consumers' interest in…

A phenomenological study examined experiences of eight urban American Indian women participating in a 6-week intervention aimed at reclaiming and adapting Native women's traditional roles as part of bicultural resynthesis. Psychoeducational methods were used to uncover past ethnic shame, facilitate a return to American Indian pride and identity,…

Relates the experiences of a non-Indian psychiatrist as she became part of the mental health team in an urban Indian health care center. Reflects on the evolution of her varied roles and the importance of cultural sensitivity. Includes three case examples of American Indian psychotherapy patients. (Author/SV)

A survey of 374 Denver American Indians, mostly unemployed and low-income, examined substance abuse, psychological problems, and personal trauma for self and household; Native community mental health problems (including youth problems); counselor preferences; opinions about school testing of American Indian children; and Native community needs for…

Presents an ethnographic analysis of the Puyallup Indian urban tribal health care system with emphasis on mental health issues. Merges anthropological theories and perspectives with the practical experience of providing culturally sensitive care within a multifaceted bureaucratic environment. Contains 146 references. (SV)

Researchers responsible for"Alcohol Abuse in Urban Indian Adolescents and Women: A Longitudinal Study for Assessment and Risk Evaluation" respond to critiques of the research project. Clarifies project goals, discusses issues related to longitudinal research, and addresses concerns related to research utilization and data publication.…

A 10-year study identified risk factors and measured prevalence of alcohol abuse, drug abuse, and psychopathology in 523 urban American Indian adolescents and 276 urban Indian women. Describes study aims, research design, methods, sample characteristics, assessment instruments, substance use prevalence, and methodological issues related to…

Commentaries from 10 researchers concerning "Alcohol Abuse in Urban Indian Adolescents and Women: A Longitudinal Study for Assessment and Risk Evaluation" (R. Dale Walker and others). Reviewers commend the project for adding to the sparse longitudinal research on Indian peoples, while also pointing out problems and issues specific to…