American-Indian women and health

Little research has been conducted on the health status and health-related issues of urban American-Indian women, particularly those who are involved with alcohol or drugs (AOD). Given this gap in knowledge, this study assessed the health status along with health care needs and service provision of AOD-involved American-Indian women living in the southwestern United States. Results indicated high levels of AOD use; experiences of sexual misbehavior; multiple pregnancies with adverse outcomes, including stillbirth and loss of child custody; and need for additional health care services. Recommendations include enhancing the education of health care providers with regard to American-Indian women's AOD use and the need for comprehensive, culturally competent, gender-specific AOD treatment services.