Investigation of Factors Contributing to Diabetes Risk in American Indian/Alaska Native Youth

Abstract

Hard copies of monographs and back issues (Volume 1, Issue 1 through Volume 8, Issue 3) are available for purchase. Prices and ordering information can be found at http://www. uchsc.edu/ai/ncaianmhr/journal/pdf_fi les/Journal_Order_Form.pdf. American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) populations are affl icted disproportionately with a number of chronic illnesses (Indian Health Service [IHS], 2001). Specifi cally, the rates of Type 2 Diabetes, alcohol abuse, and suicide have consistently been higher in these populations for many years (IHS). To date the majority of research has focused on these three disorders alone or in dyads; little attention has been given to the co-occurrence of all three simultaneously in AI/AN populations. The Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) provides annual data on estimates of risk factors and health-related behavior in state populations across the nation. This article reports an analysis of the prevalence and correlates of diabetes and associated risk factors for depression and alcohol abuse in AI/AN adults sampled in the fi fty states as part of the 2003 BRFSS survey.

Assessing Health Status, Behavioral Risks, and Health Disparities in American Indians Living on the Northern Plains of the U.S.

“…The high prevalence of obesity in northern plains AIs is not limited to adults but is also present in young children and has been implicated in the exponential increase in the type II diabetes rates of AI young people. [58][59][60] Clearly, obesity prevention must become a top priority in attempts to reduce health disparities in rural, northern plains, AI communities. LTPA was less prevalent in the AI sample (especially among women) than in either the ND or U.S. data.…”

Advocating for Whole Health: The Role of the Mental Health Professional in Promoting Diet, Nutrition, and Management of Physical Disease With American Indian Clients

“…Within a few generations, AI populations went from diets that fueled physically active lifestyles and periods of famine to a diet with high rates of processed carbohydrates, low fiber, and moderate fat and protein, coupled with a more sedentary lifestyle and a plentiful supply of these easy-to-turn-to-sugar calories (Fallon & Enig, 2000;Hug, 1994;Islam-Zwart & Cawston, 2007). Diabetes has not been the only result of this lifestyle change; the occurrences of other Western diseases have also increased significantly.…”

Advancing Native Health in North Carolina Through Tribally Led Community Changes

“…Indeed, the prevalence of obesity among American Indian 4-year-olds (31.2%) was the highest of all 5 major race/ethnic groups examined in a recent study; this rate was almost double the rate for non-Hispanic whites (15.9%) and Asians (12.8%) [4]. The multifactorial origins of these health disparities are present very early in life and include genetics, environment, and policy factors that influence dietary and activity behaviors and challenges in accessing health care [5][6][7][8][9].…”