Navajo (Diné) Viewpoints on Traditional Medicine, Western Medicine, and the Intersection

Background: In Navajo (Diné) populations, the two main forms of medicine that people use include traditional Diné medicine and Western medicine. Traditional medicine can be understood primarily through the concept of maintaining Hózhó or “balance”, while Western medicine is defined through the use of scientific evidence-based techniques and research. The reasons and barriers to using each form of medicine respectively are varied depending on aspects such as accessibility, familiarity, trust, or cost. Overall, there is a current lack of community viewpoints in regards to past examples of the intersection between traditional and Western medicine. This thesis examines reasons behind why Diné individuals use traditional Diné medicine and Western medicine respectively, and their viewpoints on the potential intersection. Methods: An anonymous online survey was distributed via snowball sampling from November 2023 to February 2024 after obtaining ASU IRB approval. It consisted of questions focused on demographics, use of traditional medicine, use of Western medicine, and opinion on the intersection between traditional and Western medicine. Statistical analysis and emerging themes were then performed and noted respectively. Results: There were a total of 15 responses to the online survey. A majority of participants previously used traditional medicine (80%), while all had previously used Western medicine (100%). There was a similar level of satisfaction and perceived efficiency for each, averages ranging from 3.8 to 4.0 respectively on a scale of 1 to 5. Many respondents used traditional medicine for more cultural and spiritual/mental health reasons, while many used Western medicine for more physical health reasons. Cost was the main barrier for each. Participants showed overall positive receptibility to potential intersections, but there was some hesitance in regards to scenarios where Western providers recommended traditional medicine use. Conclusion: Many reasons and barriers behind participant use of traditional and Western medicine were reflective of what was found in the literature review. The overall frequency of use, satisfaction, and efficiency can be further understood by a majority of participants living outside the Navajo Nation for long periods of time. The use of traditional medicine also made participants feel more connected to their culture, which can also contribute to the high levels of satisfaction/efficiency for traditional medicine. Interestingly, cost was found to be the primary barrier of each, which indicates room for growth in both respective fields to increase patient use. There was overall positive receptiveness to a possible intersection for delivery methods of medicine which indicates an overall desire to maintain Hózhó and holistic health, however the type of questions and recommendations made by respective providers needs to be done with care. This type of intersection should continue to be explored through community driven discussion and creativity in future studies.