Assessing American Indian Traditional Ceremonial Practices and Substance Use Behaviors in an Urban, Multi-Tribal Setting: Results from a Community Survey
Dublin Core
Title
Assessing American Indian Traditional Ceremonial Practices and Substance Use Behaviors in an Urban, Multi-Tribal Setting: Results from a Community Survey
Subject
Substance abuse--Montana--Prevention
Electronic Resource Item Type Metadata
Journal Name
American Indian and Alaska Native Mental Health Research
Volume
Vol. 32
Issue
No. 4
Publication Date
2026
Publisher
Centers for American Indian and Alaska Native Health, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus (Aurora, Colo.)
Document Type
Journal article
Language
English
ISBN
15337731
Region
Montana, United States
Access
Open Access
View Source
Abstract
American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities have
relied on traditional ceremonial practices (TCPs) for survival and
resilience for generations. Research examining the role of TCPs on
wellness in urban, multi-tribal communities, however, has only recently
emerged over the last several decades. This study explored the association
between TCP-related variables and substance use in an urban AI/AN
community in Montana. Specifically, participant knowledge, attitudes, and
beliefs (KAB) regarding TCPs, their level of intent to participate in TCPs,
and past year substance use were measured. This cross-sectionalstudy used
survey data from 194 AI/AN adults (66% female, 5% nonbinary; M age =
44). Positive KAB toward TCPs was found in 56.4% of respondents.
Greater level of intent to participate in TCPs was found in 36.7% of
respondents. Multivariate logistic regression showed individuals with
positive KAB were less likely to report past year alcohol [adjusted odds
ratio (AOR): 0.49; 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 0.26, 0.93] or other
drug use (AOR: 0.30; 95% CI: 0.11, 0.76). Individuals who reported a
greater level of intent to participate in TCPs were also less likely to report
past year alcohol (AOR: 0.51; 95% CI: 0.26, 0.98) or other drug use (AOR:
0.31; 95% CI: 0.08, 0.91). The findings highlight a need for further
examination of the potential effectiveness of substance use interventions for
urban AI/AN adults that incorporate TCP-related factors.
relied on traditional ceremonial practices (TCPs) for survival and
resilience for generations. Research examining the role of TCPs on
wellness in urban, multi-tribal communities, however, has only recently
emerged over the last several decades. This study explored the association
between TCP-related variables and substance use in an urban AI/AN
community in Montana. Specifically, participant knowledge, attitudes, and
beliefs (KAB) regarding TCPs, their level of intent to participate in TCPs,
and past year substance use were measured. This cross-sectionalstudy used
survey data from 194 AI/AN adults (66% female, 5% nonbinary; M age =
44). Positive KAB toward TCPs was found in 56.4% of respondents.
Greater level of intent to participate in TCPs was found in 36.7% of
respondents. Multivariate logistic regression showed individuals with
positive KAB were less likely to report past year alcohol [adjusted odds
ratio (AOR): 0.49; 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 0.26, 0.93] or other
drug use (AOR: 0.30; 95% CI: 0.11, 0.76). Individuals who reported a
greater level of intent to participate in TCPs were also less likely to report
past year alcohol (AOR: 0.51; 95% CI: 0.26, 0.98) or other drug use (AOR:
0.31; 95% CI: 0.08, 0.91). The findings highlight a need for further
examination of the potential effectiveness of substance use interventions for
urban AI/AN adults that incorporate TCP-related factors.
Cataloger
Haley Lesemann
Citation
“Assessing American Indian Traditional Ceremonial Practices and Substance Use Behaviors in an Urban, Multi-Tribal Setting: Results from a Community Survey,” ICMGLT Digital Library, accessed November 3, 2026, https://library.icmglt.org/items/show/777.