“What makes life good?” Developing a culturally grounded quality of life measure for Alaska Native college students

Figures & data

Fig. 1.  Warm-up word association and all on the wall.

Table 1 Eight QOL domains with their operational definitions, and examples of items

Domain	Operational definition	Examples of items (per sticky notes)
Culture and traditions	Practices, expressions and activities pertaining to AN culture	Engaging in subsistence activities (fishing, hunting, trapping, berry-picking) Participating in cultural gatherings (dancing, singing, drumming, storytelling)
Spirituality	Practice, expressions, and activities pertaining to faith and/or religion	Attending religious events and/or gatherings Having faith in God or another higher power
Values	Traditional and Western belief systems and principles that guide thinking and behaviours	Respecting Elders and parents Respecting the land Taking responsibility to fulfil obligations Being honest with self and others
Relationships	Social connections maintained with others—at home or at college (in person, phone Internet)	Talking to family members Having good relationship with advisors Having network of friends (in person and online)
Learning	Services, resources, and activities that promote academic learning	Receiving a college education Having quality and supportive professors Receiving scholarships
Basic needs	Essentials for survival during college	Having shelter, food, money Feeling safe in the community
Leisure	Activities that are fun, entertaining, and promote stress-management and relaxation	Hanging out with friends Having fun/cool things to do Participating in traditional activities Engaging in outdoor sports and activities
Health	Behaviours and activities that promote and maintain health	Getting exercise, sleep, health foods Being cigarette/tobacco free Practicing safe sex; having access to condoms Have access to health care

Fig. 2.  Conceptual model of the QOL domains of AN students.