Native American children and school readiness: A nationally representative study of individual and cumulative risks

Abstract

Using a nationally representative dataset (Early Childhood Longitudinal Study-Birth Cohort) and bioecological-cumulative disadvantage framework, the present study examined school readiness among American Indian and Alaska Native (AIAN) children. It investigated the relations between salient child and family risk experiences (i.e., poverty, preterm/low birth weight, low maternal education, single motherhood, inadequate prenatal care, teen motherhood, and severe maternal depression), and kindergarten academic (i.e., reading and math) and behavioral outcomes (i.e., social competence, approaches to learning, and externalizing behaviors). Descriptive statistics (representative of children born in 2001) revealed 58.5% of AIAN children experienced poverty at least once prior to kindergarten entry and 45% experienced two or more risks. Hierarchical linear regression examining cumulative risk counts

Psychopathology in the Offspring of Indigenous Parents with Mental Health Challenges: A Systematic Review: Psychopathologie des descendants de parents autochtones ayant des problèmes de santé mentale: Une revue systématique

“…24 In 3 studies, parents self-identified as Indigenous. [40][41][42] In 2 studies, participants were recruited from health services that specifically provided care to Indigenous groups. 43,44 In the remaining 2 studies, parental Indigeneity was determined through offspring self-identification.…”

“…Seven studies were conducted in the United States, 32,[34][35][36][37][38]42 and 2 each in Taiwan, 33,45 New Zealand, 40,41 and Australia. 43,44 One included Indigenous groups from Canada and the United States.…”

“…43,44 One included Indigenous groups from Canada and the United States. 39 Five studies included measurements of both maternal and paternal mental health, 32,33,[36][37][38] 6 of maternal mental health only, 34,35,[39][40][41][42] and 3 studies did not specify whether parental mental health was that of mothers, fathers, or both. [43][44][45] The most common parental mental health problem examined was substance misuse (n ¼ 8) including alcohol use by !1 parent(s), 33,[36][37][38]45 maternal drug use, 34,35,39 and La Revue Canadienne de Psychiatrie 66 (6) maternal alcohol use.…”

“…[43][44][45] The most common parental mental health problem examined was substance misuse (n ¼ 8) including alcohol use by !1 parent(s), 33,[36][37][38]45 maternal drug use, 34,35,39 and La Revue Canadienne de Psychiatrie 66 (6) maternal alcohol use. 34,35 Five studies included assessments of maternal internalizing issues, with maternal depression being measured in 4, 35,[40][41][42] and maternal depressive episodes, dysthymic disorder, or generalized anxiety disorder in the other. 39 Four studies were focused on poor parental mental health (more broadly defined).…”

“…15) and parent-reported offspring externalizing behaviors when offspring sex, age, and cognitive skills were adjusted. 42 The study was judged to have a fair study quality.…”