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

Abstract #106062

Andrea Bersamin¹, Bret Luick, PhD², Judith S. Stern, ScD¹, and Sheri Zidenberg-Cherr, PhD¹. (1) Nutrition Department, University of California, Davis, One Shields Ave, Davis, CA 95616, 530-752-1538, abersamin@ucdavis.edu, (2) Institute of Arctic Biology, Univeristy of Alaska Fairbanks, PO Box 756180, Fairbanks, AK 99775

Populations undergoing shifts from a subsistence-based lifestyle to a more Western one increase their risk factors for chronic diseases. Essential to developing effective disease prevention strategies is the identification of population-specific dietary risk factors for chronic diseases. Geographic isolation historically has favored the consumption of a traditional subsistence diet among Alaska Natives. Today, globalization has precipitated an increased reliance on market foods. Concurrent with diet change, parameters of the metabolic syndrome have become increasingly prevalent and are associated with chronic disease risk. We collected 24-hour recalls from 560 Yup'ik Eskimos aged 14 years and older to examine nutrient intakes, diet quality scores and food sources associated with parameters of the metabolic syndrome. Findings indicated that diet quality, nutrient adequacy and food sources differed by age groups. Dietary behaviors associated with both increased and decreased risk of chronic disease were found. For example, compared to NHANES data, both Omega 3 fatty acid and trans fatty acid intake were significantly higher in this population. Consumption of traditional food sources and maintenance of traditional dietary patterns contributed to this unique nutrient profile. Eskimo ice cream, for example, was traditionally made from seal oil, fresh berries and fish. It is now made from Crisco (high in trans fatty acids), fresh berries and sugar. A prevention program integrating cultural beliefs and targeting specific dietary behaviors may be effective at reducing the prevalence of chronic disease risk factors in this population.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this presentation the participant will be able to

• Identify at risk dietary behaviors that can be addressed by an intervention
• Recognize the unique barriers to consumption of a healthy diet in rural, isolated Alaskan communities

Keywords: Dietary Assessment, Alaska Natives

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.