Start Date
16-3-2018 10:03 AM
End Date
16-3-2018 10:15 AM
Abstract Text
Background:
This abstract explores improving health outcomes for Canada’s Indigenous peoples. The increased prevalence of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and diabetes in this population makes this a public health problem because diabetes has long-term complications that affect the cardiovascular system and can result in disability and premature death.
Methods:
A literature review using specific search terms was performed to find 36 relevant articles. Search databases for the primary and secondary information were CINAHL and PubMED, respectively.
Results:
The results were classified into five groups: (1) Previous Genetic Protection; (2) Current Day Risk; (3) Diet; (4) Barriers in Developing and Maintaining Health; and (5) Strengths in Developing and Maintaining Health. Non-traditional foods have led to the increased likelihood of developing diabetes by 38%. Social determinants of health act as barriers in managing health. A dissonance between maintaining culture and adapting to modern society has led to acculturation stress, thus increasing the risk of CVD and diabetes in future generations.
Discussion & Conclusion:
While there is a huge knowledge gap, a vital strength displayed in the Indigenous population is a desire for culturally competent education, which can be addressed through health literacy. Support groups and spirituality can help build capacity in managing their health. By building upon these strengths, self-efficacy can be created within Indigenous communities leading to eventual turning-points that can transform barriers into strengths.
Interdisciplinary Reflection:
Concepts from the biological and social sciences are combined to show a better representation of the upstream issues that have resulted in an increased prevalence of diabetes and CVD in the Indigenous population.
Supervisor Consent
yes
Included in
Cardiovascular Diseases Commons, Inequality and Stratification Commons, Medicine and Health Commons, Public Health Education and Promotion Commons, Social and Cultural Anthropology Commons
Improving Canadian Indigenous Health: Diabetes & Cardiovascular Disease
Background:
This abstract explores improving health outcomes for Canada’s Indigenous peoples. The increased prevalence of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and diabetes in this population makes this a public health problem because diabetes has long-term complications that affect the cardiovascular system and can result in disability and premature death.
Methods:
A literature review using specific search terms was performed to find 36 relevant articles. Search databases for the primary and secondary information were CINAHL and PubMED, respectively.
Results:
The results were classified into five groups: (1) Previous Genetic Protection; (2) Current Day Risk; (3) Diet; (4) Barriers in Developing and Maintaining Health; and (5) Strengths in Developing and Maintaining Health. Non-traditional foods have led to the increased likelihood of developing diabetes by 38%. Social determinants of health act as barriers in managing health. A dissonance between maintaining culture and adapting to modern society has led to acculturation stress, thus increasing the risk of CVD and diabetes in future generations.
Discussion & Conclusion:
While there is a huge knowledge gap, a vital strength displayed in the Indigenous population is a desire for culturally competent education, which can be addressed through health literacy. Support groups and spirituality can help build capacity in managing their health. By building upon these strengths, self-efficacy can be created within Indigenous communities leading to eventual turning-points that can transform barriers into strengths.
Interdisciplinary Reflection:
Concepts from the biological and social sciences are combined to show a better representation of the upstream issues that have resulted in an increased prevalence of diabetes and CVD in the Indigenous population.