Introduction
In the U.S., Native American women are one of the most prejudiced and discriminated against population groups. The group accounts for the least number of women in the country, with limited access to education and socioeconomic opportunities. Given their historical background, the population prefers traditional medical approaches to Western medicine.
Native American Women’s History
Pre-colonization, Native Americans occupied the majority of the U.S. mainland. The community had the utmost respect for women, who were healers and key decision-makers in their families and society. Upon the entrance of settlers and colonialists in the 19th century, the group was forcefully relocated to the lands west of the Mississippi during the Westward Expansion.
Cultural Traditions
Native American women have a rich history of leadership, medical approaches, and religious beliefs. There are many Native American tribes, but the women have a common belief in immortal spirits (Liddell, 2022). Given their crucial roles as healers, the women adopted a holistic healing approach that encompassed physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
Demographics
The demographics of Native American women show that they are a minority group in the country. The U.S. 2020 census shows that there are about 9.7 million Native Americans, and about 52.1% of the group are females. The women have a mean age of 34.3 years, showing that the group’s majority is young.
Socio-Economic Status
Discrimination against Native American women is manifested through their socioeconomic characteristics. Only 30% of the group lives in poverty due to poor pay and lack of good education. The majority of the women, 56.2%, work, indicating a higher unemployment rate among them compared to the nation’s average.
The U.S. has a good education system that has been beneficial to Native American women. Most of the group had completed high school, presenting them with common literacy skills. The increased poverty levels have made it difficult for them to attend college for professional courses.
Life Expectancy
Native American women have lower income levels, making it difficult for them to access healthcare services. The situation is worse for their male counterparts, whose life expectancy is 62 years. Socioeconomic factors such as poverty have significantly contributed to the lower life expectancy among the group.
Leading Causes of Death
High poverty levels have led to poor diets and lifestyles among the group. Consequently, there have been increased cases of chronic conditions among women, leading to a high mortality rate. Heart disease and diabetes are the major causes of death. Alcoholism, suicides, domestic abuse, and accidents have also caused deaths among Native American women.
Health Conditions Prevalence
Various health conditions are detrimental to socioeconomic development among Native American women. Chronic conditions, including diabetes, hypertension, and obesity, are more prevalent among them than in other minority groups. The conditions are associated with a high likelihood of getting disabled, limiting their vision and physical activities.
Health Behaviors Prevalence
Although the group is vulnerable to chronic conditions, they have adopted poor health behaviors. The majority are physically inactive, exacerbating obesity and high blood pressure. The group is slowly rejecting their healthy and nutritional diets and opting for Westernized ones. Poor diet associated with substance abuse has placed the group at a higher risk of contracting chronic diseases.
Health Insurance Status
Although the majority of Native American women have poor economic statuses, they access medical insurance policies in various ways. Medicaid programs and employer payments are the group’s main insurance sources. Some of the women have opted to purchase private insurance coverage.
Conclusion
As one of the U.S. minority groups, Native American women experience unequal access to economic and social services. The group has lower income levels than women from other ethnic groups. Enrollment in various insurance policies has helped fight chronic conditions, which are the major cause of death among the group.
References
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