COBRE: UAF: PROJ 2: CULTURE & HEALTH IN ALASKA NATIVES

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This subproject is one of many research subprojects utilizing the resources provided by a Center grant funded by NIH/NCRR. The subproject and investigator (PI) may have received primary funding from another NIH source, and thus could be represented in other CRISP entries. The institution listed is for the Center, which is not necessarily the institution for the investigator. Cultural perspective is integral to an understanding of Alaska Native health issues. Research and theory regarding health issues in American Indian groups support the centrality of cultural factors in health research and intervention. In Phase I of the Culture and Health project (Lardon, project PI), a culturally relevant measure of attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors that can be used in evaluating the health of Alaska Natives was developed. Focus groups and individual interviews were used to generate a cultural understanding of health and wellness. The survey used in this study included the new measure of cultural-behavioral health as well as measures of perceived stress, coping, social support, and communal and personal mastery. All measures were culturally adapted and translated into Yup¿ik. This survey was administered to 510 participants from seven communities in the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta. In Phase II, the primary goal is to engage in a health promotion effort focused on reducing health risks related to increased weight in one of the participating villages. The goals are to develop a local infrastructure and process for health promotion, and to develop local expertise. Two community staff members have led a team of elders, health workers, tribal leaders, and other adults to review the study data and to identify three focus areas to work on. The team is now developing specific goals and action plans to increase the amount of traditional Native foods in the diet, increase physical activity, and reduce stress. The results of the health promotion will be evaluated by comparing pre- and post-intervention data. Overall, this research will provide a base of knowledge and expertise in examining the role of culture in health for Alaska Native populations. No changes are expected in the gender/minority composition of this subproject.