American Indian and Alaska Native Trends in Behavioral Health, 1990-1996    

Timothy L. Taylor, PhD, MPH;
Clark H. Denny, PhD;
William L. Freeman, MD, MPH  

Objectives: To analyze and evaluate American Indian trends in behavioral risk for the period 1990 to 1996. Methods: Data on 5 health behaviors were drawn from the 1990-1996 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) representing the 34 states covered by the Indian Health Service. Time trends were analyzed with the use of linear regression. Results: Diabetes increased among Indian men. The average annual percentage-point increase in diabetes awareness among Indian men was 0.4 (p<.05). Conclusions: Greater attention needs to be focused on Indian health-risk behaviors, especially diabetes awareness, as well as the surveillance of related behaviors such as overweight, physical activity, and diet. States should be encouraged and provided resources to improve BRFSS Indian samples.

Am J Health Behav 1999;23(5):345-351