Building on her curiosity for survey research, alum Carina Stavish collaborated with faculty on a study examining the role of cultural identity in lowering the risk of alcohol-exposed pregnancy and the role of economic barriers, loss due to COVID-19, and historical trauma in increasing the risk of alcohol-exposed pregnancy among urban American Indian and Alaska Native young adults during the pandemic.
While pursuing her Master of Public Health at the Colorado School of Public Health, Carina Stavish, MPH '23, discovered a new interest in survey research that would lead to significant contributions in understanding health behaviors among urban American Indian and Alaska Native (AIAN) young adults during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Stavish's interest was sparked during the survey research course (CBHS 6620), a component of the public health curriculum designed to equip students with the skills to design, implement, and analyze surveys—a fundamental method for collecting data on health-related behaviors and perceptions. This course, instructed by Assistant Professor Nancy Asdigian, PhD, demonstrates real-world applications, preparing students to gather reliable data to inform public health interventions and policies.
Eager to apply these skills beyond the classroom, Stavish reached out to her course instructor, Asdigian, to seek opportunities for developing these skills in practice. This initiative led to a unique opportunity to collaborate on a study with the Center for American Indian and Alaska Native Health (CAIANH). Stavish analyzed cross-sectional data examining the relationship between cultural identity, historical trauma, economic barriers, and losing someone to COVID-19 with the risk of alcohol-exposed pregnancy (AEP) among AIAN young adults in urban settings during the pandemic.
Stavish collaborated with faculty and research staff from CAIANH in the Department of Community and Behavioral Health at ColoradoSPH, CU Anschutz Medical Campus:
- Nicole Tuitt, DrPH, MPH, Assistant Professor
- Michelle Sarche, PhD, Adjunct Professor
- Nancy L. Asdigian, PhD, Assistant Research Professor
- Nicole D. Reed, MPH, Senior Professional Research Assistant II
- Carol Kaufman, PhD, MA, Professor
Their analysis uncovered insights into the connections between cultural connectedness and health behaviors. This work was recently published in the Journal of Adolescent Health, revealing that a stronger connection with cultural identity and heritage was positively associated with self-efficacy —the belief a person has in their ability to achieve an outcome, such as abstaining from alcohol and reducing the risk of AEP. Conversely, historical trauma and the experience of economic barriers was associated with lower self-efficacy and increased risk of AEP. The pandemic has presented significant economic challenges, but AIAN communities have long demonstrated resilience through cultural identity and intergenerational strength. These findings reaffirm the protective role of cultural connectedness in fostering support and well-being. This study reveals that future programs for urban AIAN young adults should prioritize cultural identity, address the impacts of historical trauma, and consider economic factors to ensure they effectively meet the needs of both individuals and communities.
Reflecting on her experience, Stavish shared, "I am forever grateful to have collaborated with the brilliant team at the CAIANH on this study and their willingness to help an eager student."
As she moved from graduate student to published researcher, Stavish attributed her success at ColoradoSPH to proactive communication and persistence. Pushing herself outside her comfort zone not only opened doors to research opportunities but also helped her build the confidence to take on new challenges. After graduating, she took the bold step of launching her own consulting organization, demonstrating her initiative and commitment to public health.
"Initially, I felt hesitant about reaching out to my professor," she stated. "However, deciding to overcome that hesitation and send that first email opened doors I didn't realize existed. You can accomplish remarkable things when you muffle fear of rejection."
Today, Stavish works as an associate behavioral health consultant at the Steadman Group, LLC, a woman-owned consultancy specializing in health and social services in Colorado. Her experience demonstrates how a proactive approach can lead to new career opportunities, promote exciting partnerships, and elevate public health research and practice.
Dr. Tuitt shared, "Carina was an exceptional student. It has been amazing to see her grow into the talented researcher that she is now. I really appreciate her courage to engage and ask questions, and to be persistent and advocate for the support that she needed to successfully complete and excel in her program.
The study, Culture and COVID-19 Related Impacts on Alcohol-Exposed Pregnancy Risk Among Urban American Indian and Alaska Native Young Adults: A Path Analysis, is available online.
