Rebecca Leach, MPH, Zeenat Mahal, MBBS, MS, Travis Lane, BA, and Alida Monteil, BA. Epidemiology Center, Inter Tribal Council of Arizona, Inc., 2214 North Central Avenue, Suite 100, Phoenix, AZ 85004, (602) 258-4822, rebecca.leach@itcaonline.com

American Indian children have the highest reported prevalence of obesity among all races, putting them at an increased risk of pediatric hypertension, type 2 diabetes, heart disease and certain cancers. Increasing obesity has been attributed to many factors including a decrease in physical activity and poor nutrition. There is little data about Tribal physical activity programs in Arizona. Inter Tribal Council of Arizona, Inc. developed an assessment tool for Tribes in Arizona in order to survey their physical activity programs for youth. Three Tribes participated in the survey. The survey included three sections consisting of a series of questions, a scale to determine where the program stood in planning and implementation stages, and finally a program planning worksheet used to develop and prioritize actions to address weaknesses. Tribes reported several successful characteristics of their programs, including well-trained staff, extensive promotion in the community, and age appropriate and enjoyable activities. However, they also reported common barriers to program effectiveness: retention of participants, transportation issues, lack of adequate space and equipment, lack of comprehensive program evaluations, and a need to integrate more lifestyle and health education into the program. Overall, the Tribes felt that the assessment tool was useful in determining priorities for their program development. The assessment tool helped Tribes identify their high priority areas and make preliminary plans to address those areas. However, further studies are needed in order to evaluate the efficacy of physical activity programs in addressing health issues within Tribal communities.

Learning Objectives:

• • Recognize the health disparities associated with childhood obesity among American Indians.
  • Identify strengths and weaknessess of participating Tribal physical activity programs.
  • Discuss how to address physical activity program gaps.
  • Describe next steps for more extensive program evaluation.

Keywords: American Indians, Physical Activity

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
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.

Handout (.pdf format, 628.4 kb)