Abstract
BackgroundGeographical information systems (GIS) have been used mainly in understanding infectious diseases and environmental threats in health research. Here, GIS was used to examine patterns of functional disability as one impact of chronic disease in American Indians and Alaska Natives. The study purpose was to create the first national mapping of functional disability for AIANs using the 2000 U.S. Census.ResultsAmerican Indians and Alaska Natives over age 65 reported disability at a rate of 57.6% versus 41.9% for all people over 65 (P ≤ 0.0001). Regional differences in levels and type of disability were evident.ConclusionMaps help visualize those who might otherwise be 'lost' from the data. The significance of this study is that gerontologic programs and policies are data-driven, yet there is a lack of reliable national level data from US health systems on functional disability among American Indians and Alaska Natives. One study limitation was that Census questions regarding disability differed from traditional measures of activities of daily living and instrumental activities of daily living. An immediate policy recommendation would be to incorporate standard activities of daily living and instrumental activities of daily living language into future Census for a comprehensive, linked database for the future.
Highlights
This study used Geographical Information Systems (GIS) in the examination of functional disability in American Indians and Alaska Natives
This study was a secondary data analysis of the 2000 U.S Census. Persons included for this analysis were aged 65 years and over and self-identified as one race, "American Indian or Alaska Native."
Nationwide, our analysis finds that 60.9% of AIAN elders in rural areas compared to 55.3% in urban areas report at least one disability (P≤0.0001)
Summary
This study used Geographical Information Systems (GIS) in the examination of functional disability in American Indians and Alaska Natives. The largest area for GIS and chronic disease mapping for instance, lies in cancer reporting [2,3]. Most of these appear to originate outside of the United States (US). Another study from the UK points to GIS as an important tool with which to 'join up' government and geographical data between agencies in tackling health issues [5]. GIS was used to examine patterns of functional disability as one impact of chronic disease in American Indians and Alaska Natives. The study purpose was to create the first national mapping of functional disability for AIANs using the 2000 U.S Census
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
