Risk and Protective Factors for Depression and Health Outcomes in American Indian and Alaska Native Adolescents

Abstract

also been identified as poorer than that of adolescents of other racial or ethnic groups (Office of Technology Assessment 1990, 1986; Indian Health Service 1998). For American Indian and Alaska Native adolescents, social and health indicators illustrate increased risk for poor outcomes on almost all well-being measures. Overall, in American Indian > and Alaska Native adolescents (ages 15 to 24), the mortality ratio is apB proximately three times greater (2.7:1) than for U.S. all races (Office A of Technology Assessment 1986). American Indian and Alaska Native adolescents are exposed to poverty and racial discrimination, which 2 severely limit individual, family, and community prosperity. In these 3 135 environments, personal values and integrity may be discouraged or o