Clustering of health and behavioral risk factors for cardiovascular disease in Alaska Native youth

Abstract

Evidence indicates that rural youth are more likely than their urban counterparts to participate in risky behaviors, many of which translate into a higher burden of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Alaska Native youth may be at particularly high risk. Our objective was to evaluate the clustering of health and behavioral risk factors for CVD in 315 Alaska Native youth and young adults (ages 14‐25 years) who participated in the Center for Alaska Native Health Research Study. The prevalence of health risk factors (overweight, hypertension and high HDL, low glucose, and high triglyceride concentration) was estimated using age and gender appropriate criteria. Behavioral risk factors (diet and smoking) were assessed using computer assisted 24‐hour recalls and standardized questionnaires. Clustering of risk factors was common. Approximately 75% of the sample had 0‐1 health risk factors; the remaining 25% had 2‐3 risk factors. The most prevalent risk factors were overweight (40.3%), low HDLs (26.3%) and high triglycerides (21.3%). More than 30% reported smoking regularly. Added sugars and saturated fat contributed substantially to energy intake (19% and 11%, respectively). The risk of CVD increases with each additional risk factor. To promote healthy aging among Alaska Native youth the development of ecologically appropriate CVD prevention programs is essential.NIH (P20 RR16430)