Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #108482

Vanessa Y. Hiratsuka, BA, Traditions of the Heart/WISEWOMAN, Southcentral Foundation, PCC Adminstration, 4320 Diplomacy Drive, Suite 1882, Anchorage, AK 99508, 907-729-3298, vyhiratsuka@scf.cc

Background: Rates of cardiovascular disease (CVD) are rising among Alaska Native women, but CVD prevention efforts have not been specifically designed to address this unique group. Epidemiologic research has documented the prevalence of CVD risk factors in Alaska Native women, however few culturally appropriate interventions have been developed to make an impact on CVD biomarkers and behaviors in this population. Methods: Southcentral Foundation designed an innovative program called Traditions of the Heart, a randomized controlled trial with clinical screening for CVD risk factors and an intervention consisting of 12 weekly 2-hour educational sessions taught by a multidisciplinary team and a structured assessment addressing nutrition, physical activity and tobacco use. Results: Traditions of the Heart builds on the strengths of the Alaska Native culture as a way to support and encourage positive lifestyle behaviors. To date 1150 participants have been enrolled in the study; the intervention program has been completed by over 200 women. From October 2000 to July 2004 the program detected 61 new cases of hypertension, 116 new cases of high cholesterol and 21 new cases of diabetes. Data reflecting attitudes, knowledge, beliefs, behaviors and biomarkers have been collected and are in the process of being analyzed. Conclusions: Recruitment and screening for the Traditions of the Heart program has detected new cases of hypertension, high cholesterol and diabetes. Evaluation of the effectiveness of this model is underway.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to

• Describe the burden of cardiovascular disease in the urban Alaska Native population.
• Discuss how the Traditions of the Heart research program is addressing cardiovascular risk factors in the urban Alaska Native/American Indian female population.
• Identify and adapt aspects of the Traditions of the Heart recruitment, screening, intervention and maintenance protocol that apply to their home community.

Keywords: Alaska Natives, Heart Disease

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.

Recorded presentation