Abstract
The Navajo are the largest Indian tribe in the continental U.S. with a population in 1986 estimated at 171,097. The Navajo Nation (Reservation) is located along the borders where Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado and Utah meet. Social and economic changes have accrued among the Navajo at a rapid rate during this century. At present, revenues are derived from oil, coal and uranium and from federal grants and contracts. High unemployment rates have been a major problem among the Navajo.
This article reviews health, disease and health care among the present day Navajo. Mortality rates from accidents and suicide are disproportionately high and have as their causes longstanding social and behavioral problems. Although there has been a sharp decline in morbidity and mortality from infectious diseases, there are still major environmental health problems.
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Additional information
Sixten S.R. Haraldson, Dr. Med, M.P.H. is Professor of International Development, Clark University and a former Director of the Nordic School of Public Health, Sweden. Address request for reprints to: Dr. Sixten S.R. Haraldson P.O. Box 5, 432 03 Traslovslage, Sweden.
The author made study visits to Indian reservations in Arizona in the U.S. in 1974, 1984 and 1985, and had valuable discussions with Catherine Fleshman, M.P.H., B.A. and Kenneth Fleshman, M.D. Both have extensively dealt with health problems among the Navajos and other Native Americans. Dr. Fleshman has practiced clinical medicine and public health with the Indian Health Service for thirty years. Ms. Fleshman is presently conducting health care management implementation studies for a southern Arizona tribe. I am most grateful for their assistance with statistical information and with their unique personal experience.
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Haraldson, S.S.R. Health and health services among the Navajo Indians. J Community Health 13, 129–142 (1988). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01324239
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01324239