TY - JOUR
T1 - Baseline Sociodemographic Characteristics and Mental Health Status of Primary Caregivers and Children Attending Schools on the Navajo Nation During COVID-19
AU - Archuleta, Shannon
AU - Allison-Burbank, Joshuaa D.
AU - Ingalls, Allison
AU - Begay, Renae
AU - Begaye, Vanessa
AU - Howe, Lacey
AU - Tsosie, Alicia
AU - Keryte, Angelina Phoebe
AU - Haroz, Emily E.
N1 - Publisher Copyright:
© 2024 American School Health Association.
PY - 2024/9
Y1 - 2024/9
N2 - BACKGROUND: Despite historical and contemporary trauma, American Indian and Alaska Native (AIAN; Indigenous) communities responded with resilience to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, AIANs experienced disproportionate rates of infection, hospitalization, death, and reduced life expectancy. School closures exacerbated disparities, leading to learning loss, economic instability, and mental health challenges among AIAN youth. METHODS: The Project SafeSchools cohort study employed a comprehensive longitudinal convergent mixed-methods approach, integrating community-based participatory research principles. The study enrolled Navajo Nation caregivers whose children were eligible to attend local reservation-based schools. We conducted an analysis of caregiver self-report baseline data collected between August 2021 and May 2022. RESULTS: A total of 242 caregivers completed at least part of the baseline assessment and were included in data analysis. Caregivers were primarily female (88.7%), non-Hispanic (97%), and Indigenous (97%). Most caregivers were in their late 30s (mean age 38), with varying educational backgrounds and employment statuses. Children were evenly split between males and females and distributed across different age groups. Most children attended school at baseline in various formats, including in-person, hybrid, and online-only settings. Caregivers reported a range of psychosocial and behavioral risks, including general mental distress, depressive symptoms, and anxiety for themselves and their children. Furthermore, caregivers and children exhibited various protective factors, such as strong cultural identity, resilience, and academic self-efficacy. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the higher rates of mental health distress among participating caregivers and children compared to national averages. Despite these challenges, cultural protective factors remained strong and should guide future crisis response efforts.
AB - BACKGROUND: Despite historical and contemporary trauma, American Indian and Alaska Native (AIAN; Indigenous) communities responded with resilience to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, AIANs experienced disproportionate rates of infection, hospitalization, death, and reduced life expectancy. School closures exacerbated disparities, leading to learning loss, economic instability, and mental health challenges among AIAN youth. METHODS: The Project SafeSchools cohort study employed a comprehensive longitudinal convergent mixed-methods approach, integrating community-based participatory research principles. The study enrolled Navajo Nation caregivers whose children were eligible to attend local reservation-based schools. We conducted an analysis of caregiver self-report baseline data collected between August 2021 and May 2022. RESULTS: A total of 242 caregivers completed at least part of the baseline assessment and were included in data analysis. Caregivers were primarily female (88.7%), non-Hispanic (97%), and Indigenous (97%). Most caregivers were in their late 30s (mean age 38), with varying educational backgrounds and employment statuses. Children were evenly split between males and females and distributed across different age groups. Most children attended school at baseline in various formats, including in-person, hybrid, and online-only settings. Caregivers reported a range of psychosocial and behavioral risks, including general mental distress, depressive symptoms, and anxiety for themselves and their children. Furthermore, caregivers and children exhibited various protective factors, such as strong cultural identity, resilience, and academic self-efficacy. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the higher rates of mental health distress among participating caregivers and children compared to national averages. Despite these challenges, cultural protective factors remained strong and should guide future crisis response efforts.
KW - child and adolescent health
KW - community health
KW - health disparities
KW - mental and emotional health
KW - public health and public education partnerships
KW - social determinants of health
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U2 - 10.1111/josh.13487
DO - 10.1111/josh.13487
M3 - Article
C2 - 38936839
AN - SCOPUS:85197251099
SN - 0022-4391
VL - 94
SP - 808
EP - 819
JO - Journal of School Health
JF - Journal of School Health
IS - 9
ER -