Chelsea L Kracht1, Susan B Sisson1, Devon Walker1, Kelly Kerr1, Lancer Stephens1,2, Amber Anderson1, Julie Seward3, Ashley E Weedn1, Marshall Cheney4, Kristen Copeland5,6, Alicia L Salvatore1, Audrey Jacob7, Michelle Key8, Michelle Dennison9, Chris Tallbear3, Diane Horm10. 1. 1 University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA. 2. 2 Oklahoma Shared Clinical and Translational Resources, Oklahoma City, OK, USA. 3. 3 Southern Plains Tribal Health Board, Oklahoma City, OK, USA. 4. 4 University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK, USA. 5. 5 Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA. 6. 6 University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA. 7. 7 Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, Durant, OK, USA. 8. 8 Chickasaw Nation Department of Community Services, Ada, OK, USA. 9. 9 Oklahoma City Indian Clinic, Oklahoma City, OK, USA. 10. 10 Early Childhood Education Institute, University of Oklahoma, Tulsa, OK, USA.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to develop an understanding of how stakeholders, specifically early care and education (ECE) teachers, perceive their role in the development of young American Indian children, and envision working with health care providers and parents in order to enhance children's health. METHODOLOGY: Twenty tribally affiliated ECE teachers from Oklahoma participated in interviews. Thematic analysis was conducted, and three main themes, each with two to three subthemes, emerged. RESULTS: Teachers felt that nutrition and physical activity were important to children's health. Teachers had little professional interaction with health care providers but desired more. Parental empowerment was conveyed as essential to actualize positive changes in their child's behavior. DISCUSSION: Teachers of tribally affiliated ECE centers are important stakeholders in promoting the health and well-being of young American Indian children. Additional efforts are needed to more effectively integrate teachers and nurses in order to create effective interventions. We propose a stakeholder partnership to guide the development of future interventions.
INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to develop an understanding of how stakeholders, specifically early care and education (ECE) teachers, perceive their role in the development of young American Indian children, and envision working with health care providers and parents in order to enhance children's health. METHODOLOGY: Twenty tribally affiliated ECE teachers from Oklahoma participated in interviews. Thematic analysis was conducted, and three main themes, each with two to three subthemes, emerged. RESULTS: Teachers felt that nutrition and physical activity were important to children's health. Teachers had little professional interaction with health care providers but desired more. Parental empowerment was conveyed as essential to actualize positive changes in their child's behavior. DISCUSSION: Teachers of tribally affiliated ECE centers are important stakeholders in promoting the health and well-being of young American Indian children. Additional efforts are needed to more effectively integrate teachers and nurses in order to create effective interventions. We propose a stakeholder partnership to guide the development of future interventions.
Authors: Chelsea L Kracht; Jessica St Romain; Julie C Hardee; Nanette Santoro; Leanne M Redman; Kara L Marlatt Journal: Maturitas Date: 2021-11-07 Impact factor: 5.110