Indigenous health part 1: determinants and disease patterns
M. Gracey and M. King, The Lancet, Vol. 374, Issue 9683: 65-75, doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(09)60914-4
Indigenous health part 2: the underlying causes of the health gap
M. King, A. Smith, M. Gracey, The Lancet, Vol. 374, Issue 9683: 76-85, doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(09)60827-8
These reviews examine the health standards of the world’s 400 million indigenous people and look into the underlying causes of health disparities between indigenous and non-indigenous peoples. Connecting poor health standards of indigenous peoples worldwide with loss of culture, the authors note that “indigenous peoples worldwide have undergone rapid culture change, marginalization and absorption into the global economy, with very little respect for their autonomy. These profound transformations have been linked to high rates of depression, alcoholism, suicide and violence in many communities, with the most pronounced effect on youth.” Calling for more culturally appropriate ways to interact with and treat Indigenous peoples, in part 2 the authors cover, among other issues, indigenous notions of health and identity, and whole health and healing. It is noted that traditional teachings and knowledge provide a basis for positive self-image and healthy identity. Summary of indigenous health part 1 … Summary of indigenous health part 2 …
