Prevalence rates for Type 2 diabetes among Native Americans are considerably higher than those of all other ethnic groups in the US, although variation in rates exists across tribes. Most in-depth studies of diabetes come from tribes outside the southeastern US. This presentation will provide data from an on-going collaborative study to assess the prevalence of diabetes and associated risk factors in two Native American tribes, the Lumbee of North Carolina, and the Catawba Indian Nation of South Carolina. A survey instrument was developed for telephone administration by trained Native American residents in each community to assess self-reported rates of diabetes and other chronic conditions, diet and physical activity, and family history of diabetes. The Lumbee is a state-recognized tribe of approximately 50,000 members. 1,216 surveys have been completed in this population. The Catawba Nation of approximately 1,000 adults was granted federal recognition status in 1993. A total of 808 surveys were completed in this population. The age-adjusted prevalence of diabetes for adults over age 20 was 12.4% among Catawba and 8.6% among Lumbee respondents. A medical record validation study was conducted in the Catawba sample for individuals who received health care at the tribal longhouse clinic: sensitivity of the self-report was 87%, specificity was 98%. These data will add to the information regarding diabetes prevalence in eastern Native American tribes and will be beneficial for the development and implementation of culturally sensitive materials to reduce risk for diabetes and its complications in these communities.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant will be able to: 1. Understand the prevalence of diabetes and chronic health conditions among two Native American Tribes in Eastern U.S. 2. Understand the issues pertaining to the collection of chronic disease data in Native American communities. 3. Understand the issues pertaining to access to health care among federally and non-federally recognized Native American tribes
Keywords: Diabetes, American Indians
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.