Social Determinants of Health among Rural American Indian and Alaska Native Populations

Copyright

2019

This policy brief is the third in a series of four policy briefs prepared by the Rural and Minority Health Research Center on the topic of social determinants of health. The author points out that American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) populations have faced long term social and economic disparities due to colonization, forced migration, land loss, and cultural devastation. In consequence, AI/AN populations remain disadvantaged with higher proportions of less educated adults, unemployed or low wage workers, and higher rates of poverty. Education, employment, income, and living conditions play a fundamental role in social and economic development. The economic challenges for AI/AN populations include geographic isolation and fewer job opportunities.