Cultural Perspectives
The purpose of the module is to examine the relationship between cultural beliefs and health behaviors of indigenous populations. Cultural perspectives of Native Hawaiians, Micronesians, First Nation, and Native American Navajo are explored in the module.
Indigenous populations experience the greatest health disparities and are overrepresented among the world’s vulnerable groups. Complex factors contribute to poor indigenous population health outcomes, including historical subordination, ancestral displacement from land, and cultural dispossession. Nursing students and professionals can use this module as a foundation an approach to better understanding root causes of indigenous population health concerns. Enhancing understanding of the relationship between one’s cultures and health equity are important for achieving better health outcomes for indigenous populations.