INVITED SYMPOSIUM: IMPROVING HEALTH OUTCOMES AND PROMOTING HEALTH EQUITY FOR AMERICAN INDIAN/ALASKA NATIVE YOUTH

American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/ANs) experience a disproportionate burden from a variety of diseases linked to risk behaviors such as tobacco use, diet, substance abuse, and physical inactivity. Native people in the United States continue to have high prevalence of health behaviors that might contribute to excess deaths from chronic diseases, injuries, and cancer. Such health behaviors often emerge in adolescence and young adulthood, and are rooted in developmental pathways that are best addressed through effective prevention among youth. Evidence-based interventions exist to address risk behaviors and prevent serious health outcomes among youth, but very few have been evaluated with AI/AN populations and implemented in AI/AN communities. Expanding the evidence base for these interventions among AI/AN communities is critical. There is a need to adapt such interventions to the unique context of AI/AN populations, and to address the social and environmental determinants of many of these risk factors and risk behaviors. This context includes the complex challenges of chronic unemployment, poverty, cultural beliefs and practices, historical trauma, and remote and rural locations. This symposium will explore opportunities and highlight innovative approaches to improving health outcomes and promoting health equity among AI/AN youth.