Search PubMed⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “Alaska Native”

Search indexed PubMed citations on genomics, clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health. Explore titles, authors and supplied subject terms, then open the PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 235 records · Page 13Linked to original sources
PubMed2000

Prevalence of selected risk factors for chronic disease and injury among American Indians and Alaska Natives--United States, 1995-1998.

Since the 1950s, morbidity and mortality attributable to infectious diseases among American Indians and Alaska Natives (AIs/ANs) have declined and chronic diseases, especially diabetes, and injury have remained important determinants of poor health (1). Knowledge of the prevalence of behavioral risk factors for chronic disease and injury can be used to form policies and programs to improve the health of AIs/ANs. Based on data obtained from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) from 1993 through 1996, CDC published regional estimates of the prevalence of 10 behavioral risk factors for AIs/ANs (2). This report updates data from the earlier report and focuses on three of the 10 risk factors for chronic disease and injury among AIs/ANs.

Chronic Disease↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Epidemiology of cancer in Alaska Natives.

In contrast to many other Native American groups in the United States, cancer incidence data are available for the Alaska Native population from 1969 to present. These data support the fact that cancer patterns in this population differ from all other U.S. populations and are most similar to Eskimos (Inuit) of other circumpolar countries. The unique cancer patterns and the distribution of the population far from sophisticated medical centers strongly impact the cost/benefit ratios of recommended cancer screening procedures. Cost/benefits of cancer screening and data showing that more than one-third of cancer cases and cancer deaths are tobacco related, necessitate that cancer control efforts in this population should focus on eradication of tobacco.

Alaska↗
PubMed2000

Alcohol as a risk factor for HIV transmission among American Indian and Alaska Native drug users.

Quantitative alcohol interviews conducted as part of the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) Native American Supplement revealed very high rates of alcohol use among American Indian and Alaska Native active crack and injection drug users (IDUs). Of 147 respondents who completed the alcohol questionnaire, 100& percent had drunk alcohol within the past month, almost 42& percent reported that they drank every day, and 50& percent drank until they were drunk one-half of the time or more. Injection drug users (IDUs) demonstrated the highest frequency and quantity of alcohol use in the past 30 days. A significant positive association was also found between crack and alcohol use in the past 48 hours (c(2)=5.30, p<.05). Finally, those claiming more episodes of using alcohol before or during sex, reported significantly more events of unprotected sexual intercourse. Qualitative data from all four sites corroborated these quantitative findings. Many individuals also reported episodes of blacking out while drinking, and learned later that they had had unprotected sex with complete strangers or individuals they would not otherwise accept as partners. Implications of these findings for HIV/AIDS prevention efforts are addressed.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1999

Hospitalization for motor vehicle injuries among American Indians and Alaska Natives in Washington.

OBJECTIVE: Little is known about the epidemiology of hospitalization for motor vehicle injury among American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/ANs) in the Pacific Northwest. Current secondary data sources are inadequate to track this significant health problem. The purpose of this study was to determine the rate of hospitalization for motor vehicle injury in this population through linkage of Indian Health Service (IHS) patient registration data to a statewide hospital discharge database. METHODS: To create the numerator, IHS patient registration data were linked to Washington State hospital discharge abstracts from 1990 to 1994 for motor vehicle injury (ICD-9 E-codes 810-819). The denominator for this population was derived from the total number of IHS enrollees in 1992. Comparative numerator and denominator data for all residents were derived from the discharge database and Washington State intercensal population estimates, respectively. RESULTS: AI/ANs experienced a nearly two-fold higher rate of motor vehicle injury hospitalization (N = 588) compared to all residents [Incidence Ratio (I.R.): 1.82; 95% C.I. 1.52-2.19]. The greatest disparity in incidence rates occurred among 25-34 year olds (I.R. 2.18; 95% C.I. 1.53-3.10) and 35-44 year olds (I.R. 2.18; 95% C.I. 1.36-3.47). In-hospital mortality, severity of injury and length of stay were not different between the 2 groups. Median charges for American Indian hospitalizations were $6188 and the IHS was payer in, at most, 24% of hospitalizations. CONCLUSIONS: AI/ANs are at higher risk of hospitalization for motor vehicle injuries but, compared to all residents of Washington, appear to have similar severity of injuries and outcomes. Motor vehicle injury hospitalization among AI/ANs incurs substantial health care costs.

Accidents, Traffic↗
PubMed1996

Midline congenital anomalies: the estimated occurrence among American Indian and Alaska Native infants.

While congenital anomalies have been identified as the second leading cause of infant mortality among American Indians and Alaska Natives, limited information exists concerning the morbidity of such malformations. This study was undertaken to address this concern. Using data from the national hospital discharge database of the Indian Health Service, for the years 1980-1988, morbidity rates of seven, relatively common and easily identifiable midline malformations among liveborn infants in this minority population were estimated. The seven congenital anomalies and the estimated rates per 10000 births were: neural tube defects 8.09; oral clefts 29.03; abdominal wall defects 2.99; tracheoesophageal fistula 1.86; conotruncal heart defects 5.90; rectal atresia 3.15; and diaphragmatic hernia 3.24. Seven cases (1.1%) had two midline defects reported.

Cleft Lip↗
PubMed2005

Diabetes mellitus and impaired fasting glucose in Alaska Eskimos: the Genetics of Coronary Artery Disease in Alaska Natives (GOCADAN) study.

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS: We aimed to: (1) define the prevalence of type 2 diabetes and IFG in Eskimos in Norton Sound, Alaska; (2) determine correlates of prevalent diabetes in this population; and (3) compare the prevalence of diabetes in the Genetics of Coronary Artery Disease in Alaska Natives (GOCADAN) Study with other samples of Eskimos, Inuit, American Indians and US blacks, whites and Mexican Americans. METHODS: The GOCADAN Study enrolled 1,214 participants >or=18 years who were members of extended pedigrees from the Norton Sound region of Alaska. Diagnosed type 2 diabetes was based on reported use of insulin or hypoglycaemic medications and a medication inventory. Fasting glucose measurements were obtained to ascertain IFG status and undiagnosed diabetes according to American Diabetes Association (ADA) criteria. OGTTs were performed to ascertain diabetes according to the World Health Organization (WHO) definition. We used logistic regression analysis to model factors that were significantly associated with odds of prevalent ADA diabetes. RESULTS: The prevalences of ADA diabetes and IFG were 3.8% (5.0% of women; 2.2% of men) and 15.6% (13.9% of women; 17.7% of men), respectively. In the subset of 787 participants who took the OGTT, the prevalences of ADA and WHO diabetes were 5.1 and 6.9%, respectively. The adjusted odds of ADA diabetes was 2.8 times higher in participants meeting Adult Treatment Panel III criteria for abdominal obesity than in those who did not. The statistically significant sex-related difference in diabetes prevalence did not persist in multivariable analyses. CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION: Alaska Eskimos have a low prevalence of type 2 diabetes. The high prevalence of IFG indicates that diabetes may become increasingly problematic in this population. Abdominal obesity in women may help explain why diabetes prevalence differs according to sex.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

The effects of acculturative stress on incarcerated Alaska Native and non-Native men.

The relationship of acculturative status, acculturative stress, and interpersonal violence was examined in a study consisting of 73 incarcerated Alaska Native and non-Native men. The instruments used were the Acculturation Scale, Padilla SAFE Acculturative Stress Measure, Conflict Tactics Scale, Rorschach test, and the Perceived Stress Scale. Results found few inmates in the marginal group and no relationship between acculturative status and acculturative stress. Native inmates had significantly higher levels of acculturative stress than non-Native inmates, and other measures of stress did not discriminate between these two groups. Only non-Native inmates had higher levels of interpersonal violence related to acculturative stress, but their experience of acculturative stress was compounded by perceived, chronic, and situational stress. Apparently, non-Native inmates' feelings of acculturative stress are actually a sense of being discriminated against unrelated to their ethnicity. Bicultural inmates had significantly higher levels of violence than assimilated inmates did. For these inmates, acculturative stress is not the link between cultural conflict and interpersonal violence, but attempting to be a part of both cultures may be. The problem for these inmates seems to be in adapting to their cultural orientation, not in the orientation itself. While in prison, many native men seem to cope by renewing their cultural and spiritual practices, which may be providing them with a cultural identity they did not possess before incarceration. Acculturative status may need to be viewed as a continuum and a conscious choice. Implications for treatment and further research are discussed.

Acculturation↗
PubMed2002

Assessment training for practice in American Indian and Alaska Native settings.

The collaborative assessment model is extended as a training model. The experience of psychological assessment in American Indian and Alaska Native communities is often negative due to culturally inappropriate services and test interpretation. It is productive to address this negative experience, using it as a catalyst for learning. Training in measurement and construct validation provides initial basis for critique of negative experience. Training in collaborative assessment procedures then focuses on culturally appropriate assessment service practices, cultural orientation's affect on test interpretation, and multicultural assessment ethics. Writing skills are emphasized, including procedures in report writing for description of local adaptations, norms, and interpretative rules, and integration of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders (4th ed., text revision; American Psychiatric Association, 2000) cultural formulation. Development of local norms and emic tests are emphasized.

Alaska↗
PubMed2006

The epidemic of extreme obesity among American Indian and Alaska Native adults with diabetes.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to describe the prevalence of obesity among American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) adults with diabetes and to examine the temporal trends for class I, II, and III obesity in this high-risk group during a 10-year period. METHODS: We used data on body mass index (BMI) from the annual Diabetes Care and Outcomes Audit to estimate the prevalence of class I, II, and III obesity (class I = 30.0-34.9 kg/m2, class II = 35.0-39.9 kg/m2, and class III > or = 40.0 kg/m2) in each year from 1995 through 2004. We also investigated trends in mean BMI during the 10-year period and the role of treatment in these trends using multivariable linear regression models. RESULTS: Obesity was highly prevalent in this population in 2004 (class I, 28.9%; class II, 20.4%; class III, 20.3%). From 1995 through 2004, the percentage of obese adults increased from 16.7% to 20.4% in class II and 11.5% to 20.3% in class III (P < .001), and the mean BMI increased from 32.1 kg/m2 to 34.4 kg/m2. The increase in BMI was greater in the younger age groups. Adjusted mean BMI increased significantly over 10 years for each of three treatment categories. CONCLUSION: Extreme degrees of obesity are a common and increasing problem among AI/AN adults with diabetes. We did not find an association between the type of diabetes treatment and the trend toward extreme degrees of obesity. The increase in extreme obesity could potentially affect the burden of morbidity and mortality among AI/AN adults with diabetes. Effective and culturally appropriate weight management interventions are needed.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1999

The health status of American Indians and Alaska Natives: 2. Lessons for cancer educators.

Malignant disease is largely unrecognized as a leading cause of death among American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/ANs). Published studies of cancer incidence, cancer mortality, and cancer survival are highlighted to present an overview on the epidemiology of cancer among Native peoples. Cancer incidence and mortality have demonstrated steady increases among AI/ANs during a relatively limited time frame, as well as unique patterns of site-specific cancers. Cancer-survival data reveal that Native peoples have the poorest survival of any racial group for all cancer sites combined and for eight of the ten leading sites. Opportunities to educate health care providers, through continuing medical education programs and focused conferences for postdoctoral and current medical trainees, can be used to enhance cultural sensitivity and to examine ethnic differences in cancer patterns. Enhancement of recognition of the unique cancer patterns among AI/AN populations may lead to improved identification of at-risk individuals and more effective cancer screening programs within Native communities.

Cause of Death↗
PubMed2003

Vaccination coverage levels among Alaska Native children aged 19-35 months--National Immunization Survey, United States, 2000-2001.

In 2000, a total of 118,846 persons indicated that their race/ethnicity was Alaska Native (AN), either alone or in combination with one or more other racial/ethnic groups. AN groups comprise 19% of the population of Alaska and 0.4% of the total U.S. population. The AN grouping includes Eskimos, Aleuts, and Alaska Indians (members of the Alaska Athabaskan, Tlingit, Haida, or other AN tribes). Eskimo represented the largest AN tribal grouping, followed by Tlingit/Haida, Alaska Athabascan, and Aleut. Vaccination coverage levels among AN children have not been reported previously. This report presents data from the National Immunization Survey (NIS) for 2000-2001, which indicate that vaccination coverage levels among AN children aged 19-35 months exceeded the national health objective for 2010 (objective no. 14-22) for the majority of vaccines. This achievement indicates the effectiveness of using multiple strategies to increase vaccination coverage. Similar efforts might increase vaccination coverage in other rural regions with American Indian (AI)/AN populations.

Alaska↗
PubMed2000

Bronchiectasis in Alaska Native children: causes and clinical courses.

Although bronchiectasis has become a rare condition in U.S. children, it is still commonly diagnosed in Alaska Native children in the Yukon Kuskokwim Delta. The prevalence of bronchiectasis has not decreased in persons born during the 1980s as compared with those born in the 1940s. We reviewed case histories of 46 children with bronchiectasis. We observed that recurrent pneumonia was the major preceding medical condition in 85% of patients. There was an association between the lobes affected by pneumonia and the lobes affected by bronchiectasis. Eight (17%) patients had surgical resection of involved lobes. We conclude that the continued high prevalence of bronchiectasis appears to be related to extremely high rates of infant and childhood pneumonia. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2000;29:182-187. Published 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Comparative analysis of violent deaths in American Indians and Alaska Natives.

Accidents, injuries, and outcomes from adverse effects have been identified as the second leading cause of death for American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/AN). However, no studies have been done which analyze violent deaths (homicides, suicides, and other accidents) for this population with a focus on time trends. For this study, overall and gender-specific mortality rates due to violent deaths were computed for 1973-88. The results indicate that overall and gender-specific mortality rates for violent deaths in AI/AN have been decreasing on average per year: homicide, 4.3%; suicide, 2.7%; other accidents, 5.6%. Similarly, age-adjusted rates have been declining, and at faster rates than those of the U.S. general population: homicide, 4.5% vs. 1.4%; suicide, 2.5% vs. 0.6%; other accidents, 6.2% vs. 2.6%. However, the male-female ratio for homicides and other accidents has remained unchanged, and the ratio for suicide has been increasing. While the gap between age-adjusted rates have been narrowing, the age-adjusted rates for AI/AN have remained consistently above those of the U.S. general population.

Accidents↗
PubMed2006

HIV-related risk behaviors, perceptions of risk, HIV testing, and exposure to prevention messages and methods among urban American Indians and Alaska Natives.

The goal of this study was to describe HIV risk behaviors, perceptions, testing, and prevention exposure among urban American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/AN). Interviewers administered a questionnaire to participants recruited through anonymous peer-referral sampling. Chi-square tests and multiple logistic regression were used to compare HIV testing by perception of risk and risk behavior status. Of 218 respondents with seronegative or unknown HIV status, 156 (72%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 66-78%) reported some HIV risk behavior: 57 (26%, 95% CI: 20-32%) high-risk behavior, and 99 (45%, 95% CI: 39-52%), potentially high-risk. Among respondents reporting high-risk behavior, 44% rated themselves at no or low risk for HIV infection. Overall, 180 respondents (83%, 95% CI: 78-88%) had ever received an HIV test, 79 (36%, 95% CI: 31-57%) in the past year. HIV risk behaviors and perception of risk were independently associated with recent HIV testing after adjustment for gender, income, and homelessness (odds ratio [OR] = 3.6; 95% CI: 1.5-9.0 for high-risk behavior vs. no reported risk behavior, and OR: 3.2; 95% CI: 1.3-7.6, for high vs. no perceived risk). Addressing inaccurate perception of risk may be a key to improving uptake of HIV testing among high-risk urban AI/AN.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

Substance use among American Indians and Alaska natives: incorporating culture in an "indigenist" stress-coping paradigm.

OBJECTIVES: This article proposes a new stress-coping model for American Indians and Alaska Natives (AIs) that reflects a paradigmatic shift in the conceptualization of Native health. It reviews sociodemographic information on AIs, rates of substance abuse and related health outcomes, and the research supporting the model's pathways. OBSERVATIONS: Although health outcomes among AIs are improving, large disparities with other racial and ethnic groups in the United States remain. Many health-related problems are directly linked to high rates of substance use and abuse. CONCLUSION: Eurocentric paradigms focus on individual pathology. An "indigenist" perspective of health incorporates the devastating impact of historical trauma and ongoing oppression of AIs. The model emphasizes cultural strengths, such as the family and community, spirituality and traditional healing practices, and group identity attitudes.

Adaptation, Psychological↗
PubMed2004

Respiratory syncytial virus hospitalizations among American Indian and Alaska Native infants and the general United States infant population.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the burden of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) disease among American Indian (AI) and Alaska Native (AN) infants, by examining RSV-associated hospitalizations. METHODS: Infant hospitalizations from 1997 through 2001 with RSV listed as a diagnosis were selected by using Indian Health Service/tribal hospital discharge data for AIs/ANs and National Hospital Discharge Survey data for the general US population. RESULTS: In 2000-2001, RSV disease was listed as a diagnosis for 14.4% of all AI/AN infant hospitalizations, with bronchiolitis attributable to RSV infection (12.2%) being among the top 5 listed diagnoses. The rate of RSV-specific hospitalizations was 34.4 hospitalizations per 1000 infants for AI/AN infants and 27.4 hospitalizations per 1000 births for the general US infant population. The hospitalization rates for AI/AN infants living in the Alaska and Southwest regions (70.9 and 48.2 hospitalizations per 1000 infants, respectively) were much higher than the overall rate for US infants. CONCLUSIONS: RSV infection is one of the leading causes of hospitalization among all infants in the United States, and AI/AN infants living in the Southwest and Alaska regions are at especially high risk for hospitalizations associated with RSV infection. Development of vaccines, antiviral agents, and other strategies to prevent RSV disease could yield substantial public health benefits.

Alaska↗
PubMed2004

Preventing substance abuse in American Indian and Alaska native youth: promising strategies for healthier communities.

Substance abuse has had profoundly devastating effects on the health and well-being of American Indians and Alaska Natives. A wide variety of intervention methods has been used to prevent or stem the development of alcohol and drug problems in Indian youth, but there is little empirical research evaluating these efforts. This article is an overview of the published literature on substance use prevention among Indian adolescents, providing background epidemiological information, a review of programs developed specifically for Indian adolescents, and recommendations for the most promising prevention strategies currently in practice.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1991

Prevalence of obesity in American Indians and Alaska Natives.

Obesity is an important risk factor for cardiovascular diseases and non-insulin-dependent diabetes, which are chronic diseases that afflict American Indians and Alaska Natives today. Because American Indians are not represented in most national health and nutrition surveys, there is a paucity of data on actual prevalence of obesity in American Indians. We estimated prevalence of overweight and obesity for American Indian adults, school-age children, and preschool children from existing data. The prevalence of obesity in adults was estimated from self-reported weights and heights obtained from a special survey of American Indians performed as part of the 1987 National Medical Expenditure Survey. Prevalence of obesity in American Indians was 13.7% for men and 16.5% for women, which was higher than the US rates of 9.1% and 8.2%, respectively. Obesity rates in American Indian adolescents and preschool children were higher than the respective rates for US all-races combined.

Adolescent↗