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

Abstract #117392

Jacqueline S. Gray, PhD¹, Alana D. Knudson, PhD¹, and James G. Penland, PhD². (1) Center for Rural Health, University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences, PO Box 9037, Grand Forks, ND 58202, 701-777-3848, jgray@medicine.nodak.edu, (2) Grand Forks Human Nutrition Research Center, USDA-ARS, 2420 2nd Ave. N., Grand Forks, ND 58203

Depression is estimated to be the leading cause of disability worldwide. American Indians (AI), among the most heterogeneous and impoverished minority groups in the U.S., have the highest per capita suicide rate at 247 percent the national average and among 15 – 24 year olds, 429 percent the national average. Because of the paucity of data regarding AI depression, and the lack of information pertaining to the mental and physical health and lifestyle factors that may mediate depression in AI, a study of 458 Northern Plains Indians was conducted. The participants represented 33 tribal groups or bands, and were solicited through a mobile research lab located at native events on five reservations and three tribal colleges. Self-report questionnaires were completed and height, weight, and blood pressure were measured. Participants had the option of completing the questionnaires themselves or having the questions asked verbally. The assessments included measures of depression (BDI-II) and other aspects of mental health, food security (Core Food Security Module), quality of life, and acculturation. Data were analyzed for reliability and validity of depression measures across ages, sexes, acculturation categories, and tribal groups. Bivariate correlations showed that age, body mass index, food security, and cultural identity are related to depression differently in males and females. Regression analysis showed that in women, but not men, American Indian cultural identity (p<0.03) and body mass index (p<0.03) were also significant unique predictors. Because depression was strongly associated with food insecurity, it should be considered when designing programs to prevent and treat depression among AI.

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

• Define how food security is measured.
• Identify the differences in the relationship of food security to depression among Northern Plains Indian men and women.
• Develop depression prevention and treatment strategies that incorporate food security issues

Keywords: American Indians, Food Security

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.