Summary
A new report focused on American Indian Alaska Native (AIAN) high school students highlights how engaged adult caregivers and school connectedness are important to promote emotional well-being and prevent substance use, suicide-related behavior, and experiences of violence among AIAN students.
Researchers used the 2023 national Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS). For the first time, the 2023 YRBS included a supplemental sample of AIAN high school students. Coding of race and ethnicity was inclusive of all AIAN students, even if they also identified as another race or as Hispanic or Latino, providing comprehensive data on health behaviors and experiences among AIAN high school students nationwide.
Adult caretaker engagement and school connectedness and their association with 13 health behaviors and experiences were examined, including five types of current substance use, four indicators of emotional well-being and suicide risk, and four types of violence.
Findings: Among AIAN students, having an adult who always tried to meet their basic needs, high parental monitoring, and high school connectedness were associated with lower prevalence of certain measures of substance use, poor emotional well-being and suicide risk, and violence. Compared with non-AIAN students, the prevalence of current electronic vapor product use, current marijuana use, attempted suicide, and experience of sexual violence was higher among AIAN students.
This report presents the most comprehensive, up-to-date data on substance use, indicators of emotional well-being and suicide risk, and experiences with violence among AIAN high school students nationwide.
The findings suggest the importance of engaged household adults and school connectedness in promoting emotional well-being and preventing substance use, suicide-related behavior, and experiences of violence among AIAN students. Understanding the historical context and incorporating Indigenous knowledge when developing interventions focused on AIAN youths are critical to ensure such interventions are successful in improving AIAN health and well-being.