Abstract
Aims
The present study assessed community and culturally alcohol-related harm among North American Indigenous (NAI) individuals, as well as the acceptability and feasibility of harm-reduction approaches in one reserve-based NAI community.
Methods
Participants lived on or near a NAI reserve in Canada. Semi-structured focus groups were conducted with health care workers (N = 8, 75% NAI) and community members (N = 9, 100% NAI). Self-report questionnaires measuring acceptability and feasibility of harm reduction strategies.
Results
Conventional content analysis revealed loss of culture and disconnecting from culture as alcohol-related harm. Health care workers rated harm-reduction approaches to be acceptable and feasible, while community participants were more mixed. Majority of participants felt that some harm-reduction strategies could provide opportunities for individuals who use alcohol to connect to Indigenous culture and traditions. However, there were mixed findings on whether harm-reduction strategies are consistent with Indigenous cultural traditions and values.
Conclusion
Future research is needed to evaluate potential utility of harm-reduction approaches for NAI communities.