Young American Indians Research Articles

Abstract 12762: Plasma Lipidomic Signature of Peripheral Artery Disease in Young and Middle-Aged American Indian Individuals: The Strong Heart Family Study

Introduction: Dyslipidemia is an independent risk factor for peripheral artery disease (PAD). Ankle-brachial index (ABI) is a sensitive and cost-effective tool for screening and predicting PAD. The association between individual lipid species and the progression in subclinical PAD, assessed by change in ABI, remains to be determined, especially in understudied populations at high risk. Hypothesis: To identify individual molecular lipid species associated with PAD progression in American Indians, independent of traditional risk factors. Methods: Using an untargeted lipidomic method by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, we repeatedly measured 1,542 individual lipid species in 2,830 fasting plasma samples at two time points (2001-2003 and 2006-2009, mean 5 years apart) from 1,415 unique American Indians in the Strong Heart Family Study. Participants were free of prevalent PAD at both time points. ABI was measured in the right arm and bilateral (both left and right posterior tibial artery) using a handheld Doppler and was analyzed as a continuous variable. We first identified baseline lipid species associated with change in ABI by generalized estimating equation models, adjusting for baseline age, sex, BMI, smoking, eGFR, diabetes, hypertension, lipid-lowering medication and baseline ABI. We then examined the longitudinal association between change in lipid species and change in ABI, adjusting for same covariates plus baseline lipids. Results: Participants (63% female) were aged between 18-65 (mean 38) at baseline and 22-72 (mean 43) at follow-up. Higher baseline levels of 36 lipid species were positively (ORs: 1.01 - 3.60), whereas 16 lipid species were inversely (ORs: 0.26 - 0.98), associated with change in ABI. Longitudinal changes in 77 lipid species, largely glycerolipids, glycerophospholipids, and sphingolipids, were significantly associated with change in ABI during 5-year follow-up. Conclusions: Baseline plasma lipid species and their longitudinal changes over time are significantly associated with PAD progression beyond known risk factors. These findings shed light on the role of dyslipidemia in PAD among young and middle-aged American Indians who suffer high rates of obesity, diabetes and other cardiometabolic disorders.

Correlates of solitary alcohol and cannabis use among American Indian adolescents

BackgroundSolitary substance use, or using substances while alone, is common among adolescents but understudied. This is the first study to examine solitary substance use among American Indian (AI) adolescents. The objective was to examine correlates of solitary alcohol use and solitary cannabis use that occur within the individual, family, school, peer, and cultural domains of the social ecology. MethodData were from the 2009–2013 Drug Use Among Young American Indians Study, a cross-sectional cohort study. Two sets of hierarchical logistic regressions were conducted to examine solitary alcohol use (getting drunk) among lifetime alcohol users (n = 2082; Mage = 15.12 years; SD = 1.68; 54.2% female) and solitary cannabis use among lifetime cannabis users (n = 2085; Mage = 14.99 years; SD = 1.69; 50.5% female), including adjustment for level of substance involvement. ResultsPrevalence of solitary alcohol use among lifetime drinkers was 24.9%. Among lifetime cannabis users, 53.6% reported solitary cannabis use. Regression analyses for solitary alcohol use showed statistically significant positive associations with coping motive, descriptive norms, violent behavior, depression, peer models for use, and (unexpectedly) peer sanctions against use and a negative association with family sanctions against use. Regression analyses for solitary cannabis use showed statistically significant positive associations with coping motive, violent behavior, and peer models for use and a negative association with family sanctions against use. ConclusionsSolitary alcohol and cannabis use are prevalent among AI adolescents and might, in particular, reflect attempts to cope with adversity. Findings could help guide the development of screening and prevention efforts.

An Examination of the Patterns of Substance Use in Activity Spaces and Their Relationship to Problematic Use.

During adolescence, adolescents are given more freedom to independently interact with a variety of social contexts. The eco-developmental model suggests that the activity spaces where adolescents spend their time affect substance-use behaviors beyond peer influences, and that the relationships may differ based on the adolescent's demographic characteristics. This study examines adolescent patterns of reported substance use across activity spaces to determine whether the patterns of use are related to problematic substance use, and whether the relationships differ based on the participants' race. Cross-sectional survey data from the study, Drug Use Among Young American Indians: Epidemiology and Prediction, 1993-2006 and 2009-2013, were used. Five patterns of adolescent alcohol use and six patterns of adolescent drug use in activity spaces were identified. There were significant differences in the relationship between class membership and problematic substance use by race, suggesting that contexts may be interacting with an adolescent's race to influence use.

Association of Arsenic Exposure With Cardiac Geometry and Left Ventricular Function in Young Adults.

Arsenic exposure has been related to numerous adverse cardiovascular outcomes. The aim of this study was to investigate the cross-sectional and prospective association between arsenic exposure with echocardiographic measures of left ventricular (LV) geometry and functioning. A total of 1337 young adult participants free of diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease were recruited from the SHFS (Strong Heart Family Study). The sum of inorganic and methylated arsenic concentrations in urine (ΣAs) at baseline was used as a biomarker of arsenic exposure. LV geometry and functioning were assessed using transthoracic echocardiography at baseline and follow-up. Mean follow-up was 5.6 years, and median (interquartile range) of ΣAs was 4.2 (2.8-6.9) µg/g creatinine. Increased arsenic exposure was associated with prevalent LV hypertrophy, with an odds ratio (95% CI) per a 2-fold increase in ΣAs of 1.47 (1.05-2.08) in all participants and of 1.58 (1.04-2.41) among prehypertensive or hypertensive individuals. Measures of LV geometry, including LV mass index, left atrial systolic diameter, interventricular septum, and LV posterior wall thickness, were positively and significantly related to arsenic exposure. Among measures of LV functioning, stroke volume, and ejection fraction were associated with arsenic exposure. Arsenic exposure was related to an increase in LV wall thickness and LV hypertrophy in young American Indians with a low burden of cardiovascular risk factors. The relationship was stronger in participants with prehypertension or hypertension, suggesting that potential cardiotoxic effects of arsenic might be more pronounced in individuals already undergoing cardiovascular adaptive mechanisms following elevated systemic blood pressure.

"The Packaging Is Very Inviting and Makes Smokers Feel Like They're More Safe": The Meanings of Natural American Spirit Cigarette Pack Design to Adult Smokers.

The aim of this investigation was to identify which design elements on Natural American Spirit packs are salient to (i.e., noticed by) U.S. adult smokers and what meanings smokers derive from these elements. We conducted a secondary analysis of qualitative data from a study of cigarette packaging design. U.S. adult smokers ( n = 33) from all nine census regions participated in six telephone-based focus groups in March 2017. We used constant comparison analysis to identify key themes. Four themes were identified, two focused on salient design elements and two focused on design element meanings. The themes of "bright and flashy color" and "the American Indian logo" were identified as key design elements, while the themes of "healthy and safer" and "targeting at-risk smokers" were identified as meanings smokers derived from design elements. Pack design elements influence smokers' perceptions about reduced health risk of Natural American Spirit cigarettes and may be especially dangerous to vulnerable populations, including young adults and American Indians. Findings from this study suggest that the banning of text descriptors may not be enough to address misconceptions about "healthier" cigarettes.

A history of binge drinking during adolescence is associated with poorer sleep quality in young adult Mexican Americans and American Indians.

Binge drinking during adolescence is common, and adolescents and young adults with alcohol problems may also have sleep difficulties. However, few studies have documented the effects of a history of adolescent binge drinking on sleep in young adulthood in high-risk minority populations. To quantify sleep disturbance, as indexed by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), in a sample of young adult Mexican American and American Indian men and women (18-30years, n = 800) with and without a history of alcohol binge drinking during adolescence, controlling for age, gender, and race. Gender was found to affect PSQI responses with females reporting waking up at night, having more bad dreams, and later habitual bedtimes than males, and males reporting more problems with breathing and snoring. Increasing age was associated with snoring or coughing, less hours spent in bed, and later evening bedtimes. Race also influenced the PSQI with American Indians reporting longer sleep latencies and sleep durations, more hours spent in bed, and more trouble with coughing and snoring than Mexican Americans, and Mexican Americans reporting later bedtimes. A history of adolescent regular binge drinking was associated with longer sleep latencies, more problems with breathing, bad dreams, and an overall higher PSQI total score, when controlling for age, race, and gender. This report suggests, like what has been found in young adults in general population samples, that binge drinking during adolescence is associated with deleterious consequences on sleep quality in young adulthood in these high-risk and understudied ethnic groups.

The Relationship between Cultural Identification, Family Socialization and Adolescent Alcohol Use among Native American Families

The enculturation or teaching of Native American traditions to Native American adolescents has been incorporated into substance-use prevention interventions in recent decades; yet, little is known about how enculturation may impact substance use through family socialization. The current study aimed to test the relationship between family identification with Native American culture and alcohol use among Native American families residing on or near a reservation, and determine if this relationship was mediated by family socialization practices. To achieve this aim, data (n = 2368) collected as part of the NIDA-funded Drug Use among Young American Indians was used. No direct relationship was found between identification with Native American culture and alcohol use. Native American culture had an indirect effect on substance use through family communication and parental monitoring, such that a higher identification with Native American culture was associated with more communication and less monitoring, which were associated with drinking behavior. Findings reveal that identification with Native American culture may be related to family socialization, a relationship that could be important to address when designing alcohol-use prevention interventions for this population.

Immigration and suicide in Spain: Literature review

Objectives and methodAlthough it is increasingly an immigrant country, we can not forget that for years has been a world leader as a meeting place of many nationalities. It has carried out a review of the literature about the number of suicides that occur in the immigrant population of our country.ResultsCultural factors that influence suicidal behavior are religion, socio-demographic factors (inverse relationship between socioeconomic status and suicide attempts), conflicts, alcohol/drugs, and social and family support as emigration entails fostering emotional and cultural rootlessness isolation and increased risk. Stresses in young Filipinos (20%) and American Indians (19%) than for any other ethnic group. Among the immigrants, I returned to their country of origin, the Germans have a 30% rate of suicides. And if we consider the length of stay, a clear decrease in rates seen since the frequent change of residence results in an increased risk. In the comparison of nationality and gender, it shows that the rate for suicides is very high among Moroccan women aged between 10 and 24 years.Conclusions and discussionMigration can alter the development and adaptation of people and sometimes increase the risk of suicide especially when migration occurs alone. Attempted suicide is an exceptional crisis that requires special attention. Progress in research will deepen the psychological effects of migration in adults and in children migrated.Disclosure of interestThe author has not supplied his declaration of competing interest.

Suicide in Indian country: The continuing epidemic in rural Native American communities.

Suicide continues to be an epidemic in Indian Country, especially among young American Indians and Alaska Native (AI/AN) individuals. In Indian Country, suicide must be seen within the context of how historical and ongoing present-day trauma has impacted Native communities. The disparities in health, education, and employment opportunities, coupled with the high prevalence of violence and substance abuse, serve to both exacerbate mental health problems and disconnect Native youth from their community and culture. The combination of these stressors contributes to the alarmingly high rate of youth suicides in Indian Country. This article provides an overview of the nature of suicide in Indian Country and introduces promising practices of suicide intervention programs utilized within Indian Country. Additionally, recommendations for the future development of AI/AN suicide prevention programs are provided.

Type 2 diabetes and impaired fasting glucose in American Indians aged 5-40 years: the Cherokee diabetes study.

To estimate the prevalence of type 2 diabetes and impaired fasting glucose (IFG) and to study several potential risk factors for type 2 diabetes among Oklahoma Cherokees aged 5 to 40 years. A random sample of 2205 members of the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma aged 5 to 40 years was recruited. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data were collected. Type 2 diabetes and IFG were determined using the 1997 American Diabetes Association (ADA) criteria. Relationships between type 2 diabetes and potential risk factors were examined by univariate and multivariate regression methods. According to ADA criteria, the age-adjusted prevalence proportions of type 2 diabetes were 4.3% in females and 4.8% in males. Among the 89 individuals who had type 2 diabetes, 31 were newly diagnosed. Thirty-two (1.5%, 18 females and 14 males) were found to have IFG. The prevalence of type 2 diabetes and IFG increased with age, number of parents with diabetes, obesity, degree of Indian heritage, high triglyceride value, and low HDL cholesterol. The increasing prevalence of type 2 diabetes in young American Indians is alarming. The findings must be disseminated to the Indian communities and their health care providers. Preventive measures and early detection programs must be designed and implemented for children and adolescents in this population.

Diabetes Among Young American Indians—Montana and Wyoming, 2000-2002

Type 2 diabetes is increasing among young American Indians (AIs) and other populations, and accurate surveillance is important to monitor trends in diabetes prevalence. The Indian Health Service (IHS) patient database has been used to identify cases of diabetes and estimate diabetes prevalence among AIs aged > or =15 years. However, limited studies have assessed the use of health databases to ascertain diabetes cases in young persons. The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (MDPHHS), in collaboration with the Billings Area IHS, conducted a study to assess use of the IHS patient database to identify AIs aged <20 years with diabetes in Montana and Wyoming. This report summarizes the results of that study, which found that diabetes cases were identified more accurately by using at least two patient visits for diabetes rather than only one patient visit. To reduce misclassification of diabetes, health-care systems and managed care organizations that use patient databases for diabetes surveillance should evaluate the accuracy of case ascertainment periodically and ensure adequate training for staff responsible for coding health-care visits and database entry.

#34-S risk factors for diabetes mellitus (Dm) In american indian children and adolescents

PURPOSE: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) has increased dramatically in children and adolescents during the last two decades, especially among American Indians where DM is highly prevalent in the adult population. Risk factors specific to children as well as clinical knowledge about children with non-insulin dependent DM are limited. METHODS: A case-control study was conducted with the assistance of the tribal clinical network and the Oklahoma City Area Indian Health Service; 121 cases (66 boys and 55 girls) were found consisting of 99 Type 2 and 22 Type 3 DM cases. Type 3 shares some features of both Types 1 and 2 DM. Frequency matching by age and facility at birth was used to randomly select 121 controls. Medical and maternal birth records of cases and controls were abstracted. RESULTS: Mean age of DM onset was 12.3 years. Body mass index (BMI) was significantly higher in cases than in controls (32.3 vs. 26.4, p = .002). Mean weight at onset of DM was significantly higher for patients with Type 2 (188 lbs) vs Type 3 DM (121 lbs) [p = .001]. Mean fasting blood glucose at diagnosis was very high, but higher in individuals with Type 3 (539 mg/dl) vs Type 2 DM (411 mg/dl) [p = .003]. Bottle feeding, excessive maternal weight gain during pregnancy, early childhood excessive weight gain and higher birth order were all found to be associated with Type 2 and Type 3 DM. CONCLUSION: Improved surveillance as well as clinical and community-based interventions are needed to address the diabetes epidemic in young American Indians.

Trends in diabetes prevalence among American Indian and Alaska native children, adolescents, and young adults.

This study determined trends in diabetes prevalence among young American Indians and Alaska Natives. American Indian and Alaska Native children (< 15 years), adolescents (15-19 years), and young adults (20-34 years) with diabetes were identified from the Indian Health Service (IHS) outpatient database. The population living within IHS contract health service delivery areas was determined from census data. From 1990 to 1998, the total number of young American Indians and Alaska Natives with diagnosed diabetes increased by 71% (4534 to 7736); prevalence increased by 46% (6.4 per 1000 to 9.3 per 1000 population). Increases in prevalence were greater among adolescents and among young men. Diabetes should be considered a major public health problem among young American Indians and Alaska Natives.

Assessment of anxiety sensitivity in young American Indians and Alaska Natives

In the present study, the Anxiety Sensitivity Index [ASI; Behav. Res. Ther. 24 (1986) 1] was administered to 282 American Indian and Alaska Native college students in a preliminary effort to: (a) evaluate the factor structure and internal consistency of the ASI in a sample of Native Americans; (b) examine whether this group would report greater levels of anxiety sensitivity and gender and age-matched college students from the majority (Caucasian) culture lesser such levels; and (c) explore whether gender differences in anxiety sensitivity dimensions varied by cultural group (Native American vs. Caucasian). Consistent with existing research, results of this investigation indicated that, among Native peoples, the ASI and its subscales had high levels of internal consistency, and a factor structure consisting of three lower-order factors (i.e. Physical, Psychological, and Social Concerns) that all loaded on a single higher-order (global Anxiety Sensitivity) factor. We also found that these Native American college students reported significantly greater overall ASI scores as well as greater levels of Psychological and Social Concerns relative to counterparts from the majority (Caucasian) culture. There were no significant differences detected for ASI physical threat concerns. In regard to gender, we found significant differences between males and females in terms of total and Physical Threat ASI scores, with females reporting greater levels, and males lesser levels, of overall anxiety sensitivity and greater fear of physical sensations; no significant differences emerged between genders for the ASI Psychological and Social Concerns dimensions. These gender differences did not vary by cultural group, indicating they were evident among Caucasian and Native Americans alike. We discuss the results of this investigation in relation to the assessment of anxiety sensitivity in American Indians and Alaska Natives, and offer directions for future research with the ASI in Native peoples.

Psychosocial Factors Associated with Alcohol Use Among Young Adolescent American Indians and Whites

ABSTRACT Empirical analyses comparing the precursors of adolescent alcohol use between American Indian and white adolescents are rare. This cross-sectional study compares psychosocial factors associated with past-year and heavy alcohol use among 6th and 8th grade white (N = 2226; 2203) and American Indian (N = 105; 98) students. Differential associations of 10 intraindividual, interpersonal, and social environmental risk factors and alcohol use among American Indians and whites were compared. Risk factors for past-year alcohol use and heavy drinking were largely similar between American Indians and whites. Alcohol use may begin earlier in American Indian adolescents suggesting that prevention efforts to delay onset may need to begin earlier for this population.

Two Mummies From The Pitchfork Rock Shelter In Northwestern Wyoming

A protohistoric rock shelter burial from the Pitchfork Site in northwestern Wyoming produced two partially mummified skeletons of young adult male American Indians. Preserved clothing, buffalorobes...

Morphological analysis and age in the permanent dentitions of young American Indians.

AbstractApproximately two hundred permanent dentitions of young American Indians are inspected in an attempt to assess the effect of proband age on the relative usefulness of the dentition for morphological analysis. The technique used is to compare the number of observations that cannot be made on a dentition of a certain age with the number that could be made on a dentition in perfect condition. This is done for one‐year age groups, 13 through 21 years, represented in the sample.The data do not support the idea that morphological loss is as strongly dependent upon age as one might expect. It is suggested that function may be more important than age in obliterating the finer dental morphology.