Background: We hypothesized that a brief intervention emphasizing selected traditional lifestyle practices of Native Americans would motivate both American Indians and non-Indians to adopt healthier behaviors. Subjects: We invited participants in a residential preventive medicine program to attend a one-hour lecture and complete a pre- and post-lecture instrument. Our target subjects were American Indians and individuals with diabetes. Of 36 respondents, eight were Native Americans, 22 had diabetes and seven were in both target groups. Methods: The lecture presented historical observations of Native American health status and lifestyle habits at the time of early European influence. Current scientific evidence was used to indicate the potential of such practices to reduce the risk and burden of diabetes. Pre- and post-lecture questions addressed subjects' perceptions of traditional Native American practices with respect to diabetes risk. Other post-intervention questions gauged the lecture's impact on attitudes toward implementing diabetes-preventive lifestyle practices. Results: Compared to pre-intervention evaluation, post lecture assessment revealed a more favorable perception of traditional Native American practices with respect to diabetes risk (p < .05 by paired t-test). 21 of the 22 individuals with diabetes (15 of whom were not Native Americans) indicated that the lecture provided "concrete ideas and encouragement" to help address their diabetes. Seventeen of 22 subjects also indicated specific behaviors (particularly dietary practices and exercise) that they believed the lecture made them more likely to perform. Conclusions: Emphasizing Native American healthy lifestyle traditions is associated with increased motivation to adopt behaviors expected to reduce diabetes risk.
Learning Objectives: 1. List at least three traditional Native American lifestyle practices that would be expected to decrease diabetes risk. 2. Describe benefits, with respect to diabetes prevention, resulting from an intervention emphasizing traditional Native American lifestyle practices
Keywords: Diabetes, Native Americans
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Lifestyle Center of America; Sulphur, OK
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: Full time employee of Lifestyle Center