Alaska Resources

Sexually Transmitted Infections in Alaska Among Alaska Native/American Indian People: 2015-2020
Provides rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in Alaska among American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) people from 2015 to 2020 with comparisons to non-native people.
Date: 03/2023
Sponsoring organization: Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium
view details

Environmental Factors for Hearing Loss and Middle Ear Disease in Alaska Native Children and Adolescents: A Cross-Sectional Analysis from a Cluster Randomized Trial
Study examining infection-related hearing loss in Alaska Native children in relation to environmental factors, including exposure to cigarette smoke, wood smoke, and access to running water. Analyzes data from 1,634 children who participated in school hearing screenings between 2017 and 2019.
Author(s): Kelli Hicks, Samantha Kleindienst, Alyssa Platt, et al.
Citation: Ear and Hearing, 44(1), 2-9
Date: 01/2023
view details

Culturally Adapting an Evidence-Based Intervention to Promote a Healthy Diet and Lifestyle for Yup'ik Alaska Native Communities
Highlights a study on a culturally competent educational program on healthy foods and physical activity for Yup'ik Alaska Native communities. Discusses the structure and efficacy of the project. Details some of its limitations and access-based barriers.
Author(s): Scarlett E. Hopkins, Eliza Orr, Bert B. Boyer, and Beti Thompson
Citation: International Journal of Circumpolar Health, 82(1)
Date: 2023
view details

Development of a Colorectal Cancer Screening Intervention for Alaska Native People During a Pandemic Year
Examines the development and implementation of a screening methodology for colorectal cancer (CRC) in Alaska Native (AN) populations. Analyzes 32 rural/remote AN communities who received various community-based CRC screening interventions compared to 14 AN communities who received opportunistic care for CRC screening. Includes discussion about barriers and challenges of screening in rural AN populations, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Author(s): Christie A. Flanagan, Lila J. Finney Rutten, John B. Kisiel, et al.
Citation: Contemporary Clinical Trials Communications, 30, 101016
Date: 12/2022
view details

How Alaska Supports Rural and Frontier Behavioral Health Services
Describes Alaska's Behavioral Health Aide (BHA) program, a non-licensed provider type designed to promote behavioral health and wellness in Alaska Native individuals, families, and communities through culturally relevant training and education. Discusses qualifications for the BHA certification, payment, and next steps for other states seeking to develop similar programs.
Date: 10/2022
Sponsoring organization: National Academy for State Health Policy
view details

Alaska's Physician Workforce in 2021
Findings brief describing size, distribution, and education history of the physician workforce in Alaska. Features statistics on various specialties with breakdowns by urban, overall rural, large rural, small rural, and isolated small rural areas.
Author(s): Arati Dahal, Susan M. Skillman
Date: 07/2022
Sponsoring organizations: UW Center for Health Workforce Studies, Washington Area Health Education Center Program
view details

COVID-19 Cases, Hospitalizations, and Deaths Among American Indian or Alaska Native Persons — Alaska, 2020–2021
Examines COVID-19 health disparities impacting American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) people in Alaska from March 12, 2020–December 31, 2021. Discusses challenges to accessing healthcare, including living in rural and remote location.
Author(s): Lowrie A. Ward, Kelsey P. Black, Carla L. Britton, et al.
Citation: MMWR (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report), 71(22), 730-733
Date: 06/2022
Sponsoring organization: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
view details

A Framework for Assessing Food-Energy-Water Security: A Few Case Studies from Rural Alaska
Discusses research methods related to food, energy, and water (FEW) and the development of a framework to assess FEW in communities based on availability, access, preference, and quality. Reports on the results of using this framework in 3 rural communities in Alaska. Discusses external and internal factors within the communities that contribute to food insecurity.
Author(s): Jennifer I. Schmidt, Barbara Johnson, Henry P. Huntington, Erin Whitney
Citation: Science of the Total Environment, 821
Date: 05/2022
view details

Healthy Alaskans 2030: State Health Improvement Plan
Provides an overview of the statewide health improvement plan and details the 30 health objectives to be met by 2030. Highlights objectives related to mental health, chronic disease incidence, healthcare access, disparities, and social determinants of health, among others.
Date: 02/2022
Sponsoring organizations: Alaska Department of Health, Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium
view details

Evolving Perceptions of COVID-19 Vaccines among Remote Alaskan Communities
Highlights a study on COVID-19 vaccine acceptance among remote Alaskan communities. Details levels of vaccine hesitancy, vaccination, and feelings about the vaccine over the course of the pandemic. Breaks down participant data by age, and healthcare access, among other measures.
Author(s): Micah B. Hahn, Ruby L. Fried, Patricia Cochran, Laura P. Eichelberger
Citation: International Journal of Circumpolar Health, 81(1)
Date: 01/2022
view details