Understanding American Indian/Alaska Native Students' Barriers and Facilitators in the Pursuit of Health Professions Careers in Nebraska.

Abstract

The U.S. health care system presents American Indian/Alaska Native populations with inequitable challenges that result in some of the worst health outcomes in the country. The literature indicates that increasing the proportion of American Indian/Alaska Native health professionals can improve these health disparities. This study aimed to explore the severe under-representation of American Indians and Alaska Natives in Nebraska's health professions workforce by examining barriers and facilitators in this population's pursuit of health professions careers. We conducted demographic questionnaires and three talking circles with students in reservation and urban settings to better understand their lived experiences of pursuing health professions careers. We analyzed these qualitative data through content analysis and identified eight emergent themes-four barriers and four facilitators. These findings can inform the development of strategies to improve Indigenous education, research, and pathways that promote increased American Indian/Alaska Native representation in health care.