COVID-19 Experiences and Needs Among Indigenous Adults Living on Tribal Reservation in AZ

Background: Across the United States, little is empirically known about the lasting impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic among Indigenous people living on sovereign tribal land (i.e., tribal reservation). Specifically, Indigenous people living on a tribal reservation in Arizona, including elders who may live alone, commonly reside in remote and rural locations where accessing the internet may not be a primary source for health information (Geana et al, 2012). Importantly, given the disproportionate COVID-19 infection and mortality rates experienced among Indigenous people across the U.S. and in Arizona, it is essential for social workers to understand the current COVID-19 and Long COVID experiences and needs of reservation-based residents to promote and enhance the health and wellness of tribal communities.

Methods: A community-based participatory research (CBPR) study grounded in an Indigenous worldview perspective known as Himdag was conducted by data collection and data analysis team who are all members of the tribal nation of focus. Using convenience and snowball sampling, 30 individual interviews were conducted with Indigenous adults (18+ years of age), who were living on a tribal reservation in Arizona to: a) understand current health/mental health needs as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic; b) identify effective support systems and services accessed during the pandemic; and c) identify culturally-relevant health messaging strategies.

Results: Findings suggest a current (and ongoing) need for support services to alleviate issues of grief and loss negatively impacting participants’ quality of life. Relatedly, findings also suggest an urgent (and longstanding) need for Increased access to community-based substance use disorder treatment services, including relapse prevention services, as well as opiate overdose training with Narcan (Naloxone) distribution. Lastly, study results indicate a pressing need for community-based information on Long COVID, describing both clusters of physical health and mental health symptoms.

Conclusion: Findings derived from participants’ lived experiences can be used to inform tribal policy or service changes that are culturally grounded and tribal community-based. Results are intended to help inform tribal members’ health decision-making, particularly for internet and non-internet users, and support tribal community leadership plan for future natural disasters and pandemics. Study results were approved for public dissemination by tribal IRB in December 2023.

Reference:

Geana, M. V., Daley, C. M., Nazir, N., Cully, L., Etheridge, J., Bledowski, C., Choi, W., & Greiner, K. A. (2012). Use of online health information resources by American Indians and Alaska Natives. Journal of health communication, 17(7), 820-835.