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Cherokee Choices: a diabetes prevention program for American Indians
Jeffrey J Bachar1, Lisa J Lefler, Lori Reed
1Cherokee Choices/REACH 2010, Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, PO Box 666, Cherokee, NC 28719, USA. jbachar@nc-cherokee.com
Preventing Chronic Disease
|June 17, 2006
Summary
The Cherokee Choices program, funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), implemented community-based interventions to combat high rates of type 2 diabetes and obesity in the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. This initiative successfully engaged schools, worksites, and churches in health promotion activities.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Community Health Interventions
- Chronic Disease Prevention
Background:
- The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians face disproportionately high rates of obesity and type 2 diabetes compared to U.S. and North Carolina general populations.
- A community-based intervention was needed to address these health disparities in a rural, mountainous region.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and implement a culturally appropriate community action plan for the prevention of type 2 diabetes, with a focus on children.
- To improve the overall health and well-being of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians through targeted programs.
Main Methods:
- The Cherokee Choices program utilized formative research, coalition building, and a culturally sensitive action plan.
- Intervention components included elementary school mentoring, worksite wellness programs for adults, and church-based health promotion.
- A social marketing strategy, including television advertisements and a documentary series, supported program components.
Main Results:
- School policies were modified to integrate health promotion activities, with school staff actively participating in fitness sessions.
- Worksite wellness participants achieved dietary and physical activity goals, experienced reduced body fat, and showed program enthusiasm.
- Church program participants collectively walked over 31,600 miles, demonstrating increased physical activity.
Conclusions:
- The Cherokee Choices program effectively engaged the community in health promotion and disease prevention efforts.
- The multi-component, culturally tailored approach demonstrated success in improving health behaviors and outcomes.
- The program established a foundation for sustainable health initiatives and potential links to healthcare cost reduction.
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