Needs of the Zuni Pueblo American Indians, Essay Example

A brief description of the community needs of the Zuni Pueblo American Indians

The most prevalent community needs that the Zuni Pueblo American Indians face are associated with poor health with child obesity being the major concern in the community. The other problems that confront the Zuni Pueblo American Indians include type 2 diabetes, and alcoholism. The level of poverty has been an important catalyst to the proliferation of obesity among the children and also the adults. Diabetes has also contributed significantly to the ever increasing number of deaths among the Zuni Pueblo American Indians (UNM Health Sciences Center, 2014).  These issues have been widespread among the members of the Zuni Pueblo American Indians and there is an urgent need to address these needs to improve the quality of life among the Zuni Pueblo American Indians community. Insufficiency in formal services of palliative care coupled with low levels of knowledge and education among the Zuni Pueblo American Indians have contributed to poor healthy behaviors in the community (Grugel, 2012).  There is therefore a need to implement some intervention programs among the Zuni Pueblo American Indians which must be tailored to address the community needs and evade the unfortunate and preventable consequences facing Zuni Pueblo American Indians that are attributed to insufficient skills and ignorance by government agencies to educate the community.

Implementation strategy and/or intervention methods

The first intervention strategy that could work in this scenario could be execution of health promotion programs for reduction of obesity targeting both adults and childhood in Zuni Pueblo American Indians Community aiming at enhancement of their lifestyle choices. The current dilemmas facing the Zuni Pueblo American Indians Community will also require the input of vital resources. The needed support in identification of causal factors, offering education to the Zuni Pueblo American Indians Community and addressing the poor health habits will require the contribution of the current Teen Health Center, the Zuni Wellness Center as well as existing community health workers. Their role should entail all efforts to convince the Zuni Pueblo American Indians Community to change their behaviors (Shah et. al, 2014). The effectiveness of the resources must be reflected in patterns of decision making and adoption of healthy behaviors.

Challenges

However, the process of implementation of these strategies and intervention method is associated with some challenges. The most notable challenges are evident as economic barriers faced by the Zuni Pueblo American Indians Community. The community is confronted by slow economic recovery coupled with poor performance in their economic activities (Grugel, 2012). Although healthy eating habits may not be costly, making the right decisions and appropriate budget is nan impediment to the anticipated results of these interventions. The other most important challenge in this respect involves accessibility of education materials, medical tools and screening resources that are vital in achieving total transformation among the Zuni Pueblo American Indians Community (Shah et.al, 2014).  Lack of concern to these issues will ultimately lead to failure in the intended strategies.

Mitigating these challenges

However, it is imperative that an appropriate mechanism to mitigate these challenges be implemented. Empowering the economic strength of the community is critical for the sustainability of health improvement strategy targeting the Zuni Pueblo American Indians Community.  The implementers must also consider cost effective implementation tactics is success is to be achieved. Education programs can be given to local schools and the Teen Health Centers. The ultimate objectives of these education programs are to improve eating habits and encourage involvement of children in exercises thus achieving healthy habits. The adults can also access this education through free programs offered in medical facilities such as the Zuni Wellness Center. Full community support must integrate economic and social aspects for the children and adults facing serious medical treatment issues to end victimization.

References

Bryan, S.M. (2013). NM officials concerned about childhood obesity Retrieved from http://www.contracostatimes.com/ci_22728331/childhood-obesity-rise-nm

County Health Report Cards. Engaging in Communities to Serve the People of New Mexico. UNM Health Service Center. Retrieved from http://hsc.unm.edu/community/InTheCommunity/common/docs/CountyReportsFY13.pdf

Grugel, A. (2012). Culture, religion and economy in the American southwest: Zuni Pueblo and Laguna Pueblo. GeoJournal, 77(6), 791-803.

Shah, V.O., Ghahate, D.M., Bobelu, J., Sandy, P., Newman, S., Helitzer, D.L., Faber, T., and Zager, P. (2014). Identifying barriers to health care to reduce health disparity in Zuni Indians using focus group conducted by community health workers. Clinical and Translational Science, 7(1), 6-11.