Document Type

Article

Abstract

Purpose This joint Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Indian Health Service (IHS) describes the results of 1995-1996 Health Assessment Survey conducted among three tribes in the Indian Health Service's Nashville Area service area. The tribes are the Mississippi Band of Choctaw, Pleasant Point Passamaquoddy, and St. Regis Mohawk. Methods The survey goals were to: 1) learn the extent to which members of these three tribes are practicing selected behaviors that pose risks to their health and well-being and 2) measure the prevalence of certain health conditions which are related to behavior. The survey was a population-based, face-to-face interviews of a representative sample of tribal members who were at least 18 years of age and living on the tribal reservation. Results Survey respondents included 404 St. Regis Mohawk tribal members, 605 Mississippi Band of Choctaw tribal members, and 436 Pleasant Point Passamaquoddy tribal members. Information is provided on tribal blood pressure, cholesterol screening, tobacco use, alcohol consumption, drug use, weight and diet, physical activity, diabetes, cancer screening, maternal and child health, family planning, AIDS knowledge, stress, injury prevention, and health care utilization. Conclusion The purpose of health education, health promotion and disease prevention is to change behavior. The authors emphasize the need for an understanding that the science of human groups, interactions, belief systems, norms, expectations, and mores play an important role in individual health and wellness.

Publication Date

1997

Publisher

Indian Health Service, Staff Office of Planning, Evaluation and Research, Rockville, MD 20857 (E-134).

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