Related Experiment Videos
Chronic Disease-Related Social and Behavioral Risk Factors and Conditions Among Non-Hispanic American Indian and
Christine M Kava1, Jessica B King1, Donald S Haverkamp1
1Christine M. Kava, Jessica B. King, Donald S. Haverkamp, Stephanie C. Melkonian, and Jonathan Bryant-Genevier are with the Division of Cancer Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA. Linda Schieb is with the Division of Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA. Guixiang Zhao is with the Division of Population Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA.
American Journal of Public Health
|June 25, 2026
Summary
Chronic disease risk factors, social needs, and health conditions are prevalent among American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) people. Findings can inform targeted multilevel interventions for AI/AN communities.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Health Disparities
Background:
- American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) populations experience significant health disparities.
- Understanding chronic disease risk factors and social needs is crucial for effective public health interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine chronic disease-related behavioral risk factors, social needs, and health conditions among non-Hispanic AI/AN individuals.
- To identify disparities in health outcomes and social determinants of health within this population.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 2011-2023 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) data.
- Inclusion of non-Hispanic AI/AN respondents, with results stratified by sex and geographic region.
- Calculation of weighted prevalence estimates and 95% confidence intervals for key health indicators.
Main Results:
- High prevalence of current cigarette smoking, overweight/obesity, and history of depressive disorder diagnosis among AI/AN individuals.
- Significant rates of food insecurity (26.0%) and housing insecurity (20.0%) were reported.
- Geographic variations in cancer diagnosis prevalence were observed, with higher rates in the Pacific Coast region.
Conclusions:
- Findings highlight the substantial burden of chronic disease risk factors and social needs in AI/AN communities.
- Multilevel interventions are recommended, addressing both individual risk factors and health-related social needs.
- Data can inform targeted strategies to improve health outcomes for AI/AN populations.
Related Concept Videos
01:18Factors Affecting Illness
When a person's physical, emotional, intellectual, social development or spiritual functioning is compromised, this deviation from a healthy normal state is called illness. Illness creates stress that in turn harms individuals. Irritation, anger, denial, hopelessness, and fear are behavioral and emotional changes an individual experiences in the phases of illness. A variety of factors influence a person's health and well-being.
For instance, risk factors are connected to illness, disability,...
For instance, risk factors are connected to illness, disability,...
01:28Amebiasis
Entamoeba histolytica, a protozoan parasite, is responsible for intestinal and extraintestinal amebiasis. Though a significant proportion of infections remain asymptomatic, approximately 50 million individuals annually are estimated to present with clinical disease, resulting in up to 100,000 deaths globally. The disease burden is disproportionately high in regions with lower socioeconomic status, such as parts of India, Africa, Mexico, and Latin America.Etiology and TransmissionThe infective...
01:20Lifestyle Factors and Health
Lifestyle factors play a critical role in maintaining overall health and preventing chronic diseases. Key elements, such as regular physical activity, a nutritious diet, and abstinence from smoking, can significantly enhance physical, mental, and emotional well-being while reducing the risk of several life-threatening conditions.
Benefits of Physical Activity
Physical activity, whether through structured exercise or casual activities like walking, biking, or dancing, is a cornerstone of a...
Benefits of Physical Activity
Physical activity, whether through structured exercise or casual activities like walking, biking, or dancing, is a cornerstone of a...
01:30Preventive Healthcare Services
Preventive healthcare services keep people healthy via frequent check-ups, screening, and counseling. They primarily aid in disease prevention rather than treating an acute or chronic illness. Preventive treatment also keeps individuals productive and energetic, allowing them to work well into their retirement years. Examples of preventive care services include:
01:26Stress Prevention and Stress Management Techniques IV
Stress often leads to unhealthy habits like smoking, excessive drinking, and overeating, which offer short-term relief but ultimately increase long-term health risks. These behaviors create a cycle that temporarily lowers stress levels but can result in severe long-term health consequences. Breaking these habits is essential to reduce the risk of chronic diseases and improve overall well-being. Three primary changes that support better health include quitting smoking, reducing alcohol intake,...
01:26Coronary Artery Disease IV: Preventive Measures
Effective preventive measures for coronary artery disease (CAD) focus on controlling modifiable risk factors, including cholesterol abnormalities and lifestyle changes.Cholesterol ManagementFirst, the Mediterranean diet and the American Heart Association advocate for maintaining low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels below 100 mg/dL, with a more stringent recommendation of below 70 mg/dL for individuals at high risk. LDL cholesterol, often termed "bad cholesterol," can lead to the...