Document Type

Article

Abstract

This project extracted data from the medical records of elderly Indian people (45+ years) from the following eight reservations: Blackfeet, Flathead, Fort Belknap, Rocky Boys, Fort Peck, Wind River, Crow, and Northern Cheyenne. The purpose of the project was to develop a valid and accurate database from which health needs of elderly Indian people could be defined and assessed. These data would enable Indian communities and/or Tribal governments to develop health program proposals for their aged. First, an objective of the evaluation involved identifying the ""aging and the aged"" Indian population at each Service Unit within the Billings Area. The health abstractors visited the reservations and used each facilities ""locator"" cards to identify the elderly. Then, medical records were studied for pertinent data and health assessments were completed on each individual. After the data was collected, an evaluation team was to analyze it in hopes of achieving a database useful for IHS staff, tribal health boards, local communities, etc.Although the records in most Service Units were in very poor condition, the following were clearly identified as major health problems for the elderly: dental, vision, hypertension, polyarthritis, tuberculosis, and cardiovascular disease. Further information was not available because the data had not been compiled or analyzed before the report was published.Because Phase II of this project had not been completed before this report was published, no project related recommendations were made. However, it is suggested that analysis, program effect, program changes, etc., should be initiated at the local level between the Indian community, tribal leaders, and IHS staff.

Publication Date

1977

Publisher

Indian Health Service, Staff Office of Planning, Evaluation and Research, Rockville, MD 20857 (E-09).

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