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American Public Health Association
133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition
December 10-14, 2005
Philadelphia, PA
APHA 2005
 
3053.0: Monday, December 12, 2005 - 9:42 AM

Abstract #109305

Cardiovascular disease risk factor awareness in American Indian communities: The Strong Heart Study

Kurt Schweigman, MPH, Black Hills Center for American Indian Health, 701 St. Joseph Street, Suite 204, Rapid City, SD 57701, 605-348-6100, kschweigman@bhcaih.org, June E. Eichner, PhD, Native American Prevention Research Center, University of Oklahoma, 800 N.E. 15th St., Room 532, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, Thomas K. Welty, MD, MPH, Aberdeen Area Tribal Chairmans Health Board, 5990 East Jeremy Lane, Flagstaff, AZ 86004, and Ying Zhang, PhD, Center for American Indian Health Research, University of Oklahoma, 801 N.E. 13th St., Oklahoma City, OK 73190.

Understanding risk factor awareness is the key first step in reducing the rising tide of heart disease among American Indians. Using data from the longitudinal Strong Heart Study the present study determined the level of awareness about risk factors for heart disease among thirteen populations of American Indians in Arizona, Oklahoma, and South/North Dakota. American Indians are experiencing an epidemic of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and without aggressive prevention programs, CVD mortality and morbidity will continue to increase. The aim of this study is to assess awareness of nine major risk factors for heart disease among participants of the Strong Heart Study. During July 1993 to December 1995, 3,226 participants ages 46 to 80 (mean age 60) were asked if nine known risk factors for CVD affect a person's chances of getting heart disease.

Learning Objectives: Learning Objectives for the session

Keywords: American Indians, Chronic Diseases

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 ] Recorded presentation

Acknowledging Culture in Health Education

The 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition (December 10-14, 2005) of APHA