This study compared rates of self-reported CVD, diabetes, and related risk factors of members of the Catawba Indian Nation with residents of South Carolina in both urban and rural counties. The possible mediating effect of low educational attainment (less than high school) was examined. Catawba members were respondents of a 1998 population-based health survey (N=808). SC residents were respondents of the 1995-1997 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, dichotomized as urban or rural by county. Two-sample Z-tests were used to detect differences in rates between the populations (Catawba, urban, rural), and chi-square analyses were used to compare rates among the sub-sample with low education. The Catawba had higher rates of CVD (9.0%), diabetes (12.4%), overweight (56.2%), physical inactivity (42.3%), and current smoking (30.2%) compared with urban residents (p<0.01); and higher rates of diabetes, physical inactivity, and smoking compared with rural residents (p<0.01). Among the sub-sample with low education, the Catawba had the lowest rate of CVD (9.8% versus 17.3% urban, 12.0% rural) and the highest rates of diabetes (13.1% versus 10.9% urban, 8.6% rural) and smoking (60.3% versus 30.9% urban, 29.8% rural). The rates of self-reported CVD, diabetes, and related risk factors are higher among the Catawba than among residents of South Carolina in general, yet in the sub-sample of low educational attainment, diabetes prevalence remained elevated among Catawba, but CVD occurred with highest frequency among the urban (non-Catawba) population. Results of this study are in accord with other American Indian studies that identify diabetes as a primary area of concern.
Learning Objectives: 1. Recognize that education level may have differential effects on cardiovascular health in various populations. 2. Describe the differences in rates of CVD, diabetes and risk factors between Catawba and non-Native residents of South Carolina. 3. Discuss possible explanations for the current findings and evaluate whether these findings hold in other Native communities
Keywords: American Indians, Rural Health
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.