The objective was to estimate rates of healthy habits among Native Americans and compare them with goals for the year 2000.
The Native American Behavioral Risk Factor Survey, a random telephone survey in Oklahoma during1994-1997, had 3314 respondents. Measures included general health status, overweight, exercise, tobacco use, alcohol use, immunizations, mammography and pap smears, hypertension, and diabetes.
General health was excellent or very good among 51% of respondents and fair or poor among 19%. Overweight was 35% versus the national goal of 20% and the Native American goal of 30%. Thirty-three percent smoked (goals were 15% and 20%). Smokeless tobacco use was 14% among men. Binge drinking in the last month was 12%. Influenza immunizations were 64% and pneumonia vaccinations were 50% (both goals were 60%). Among older women, 71% had a pap smear (goal of 85%) while 59% had a breast exam and mammogram (goal of 60%). Some goals for the year 2000 were exceeded and others were not met, with substantial gender differences, demonstrating the need for local, timely surveys to target prevention activities.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to: 1. Identify important and minor differences between health behaviors and goals among Native Americans. 2. Identify several methodological issues in the measurement of behavioral risk factors among Native Americans
Keywords: Prevention, Health Behavior
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.