Determinants of Type II Diabetes among Native Americans in the United States: An Analysis of the 2015 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance

Date

2020-05

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Abstract

The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between type II diabetes and mental health status, alcohol/tobacco use, sleep disorders, and healthcare coverage within the Native American population. The aim of this study is to answer these questions: (1) Is mental health status, sleep disorders, tobacco use and alcohol abuse significantly associated with self-reported type II diabetes in the Native American Population? (2) Is health care coverage significantly associated with self-reported type II diabetes in the Native American Population? METHOD: using data from the 2015 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS). After reviewing the 2015 questionnaire, 6-questions were classified as dependent variables and were examined to determine if there was a significant relationship with self-reported type two diabetes in the Native American population (measured using BRFSS question-7). The design was a cross-sectional design using secondary data. RESULTS: no significant relationship between the variables sleep or energy and having type-II diabetes. There was a significant relationship between the variables: alcohol, reported being a current/former smoker, and mental health concerns (including stress, depression and problems with emotions) and having type-II diabetes. Also, the results found that having health care coverage was significantly associated with participants that reported having type-II diabetes. CONCLUSION: Findings from this study are beneficial in understanding the Native American/Alaska Native population and type II diabetes relationships.

Description

A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree Master of Public Health

Keywords

Health Education, Health Care, Public Health

Citation

DOI