Work

Family Health History and Health Behaviors in Alaska Native and American Indian People

Year: 2009

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Family history of diseases among American Indian and Alaska Native (AIAN) people may influence health. METHODS: We examine the prevalence of family health history among a cohort of AIAN people (n= 10,374) enrolled in the Education and Research Towards Health (EARTH) Study. We evaluate the association between having a positive family history and health behaviors to determine if those reporting a family history were more likely to report lifestyles that put them at risk of developing these health conditions. RESULTS: Among participants, 17.7% reported not knowing their family history and 23.5% preferred not to answer the family history component of the questionnaire. Eight percent of participants reported a family history of colorectal cancer, 7.9% a family history of breast cancer, 25.8% a family history of heart attack, and 46.7% a family history of diabetes. Obesity, physical activity, cholesterol, and perceived health were associated with family history. CONCLUSIONS: Individuals with a family history of diseases may have lifestyles that influence their disease risk.

Source: Journal of Health Care for the Poor and Underserved

DOI: 10.1353/hpu.0.0191