Mental, Physical and Social Dimensions of Health Equity and Wellness among U.S. Indigenous Peoples: What is Known and Next Steps

J Ethn Cult Divers Soc Work. 2020;30(1-2):1-12. doi: 10.1080/15313204.2020.1770658. Epub 2020 Jun 8.

Abstract

This special issue and introduction focuses on promoting health equity and addressing health disparities among Indigenous peoples of the United States (U.S.) and associated Territories in the Pacific Islands and Caribbean. We provide an overview of the current state of health equity across social, physical, and mental health domains. In Part 1 of the special issue, we trace promotive, protective, and risk factors related to Indigenous health equity. Part 2 of the special issue describes interventions that address and promote wellness, providing promising pathways to achieving and transcending health equity.

Keywords: Alaska Native; Health; Indigenous; Native American/American Indian; Native Hawaiian; Pacific Islanders; health disparities; health equity.