Invisible Tribes: Urban Indians and Their Health in a Changing World


 

Publication Date:

Publisher:

Author(s): Urban Indian Health Commission

Research Area: Health

Type: Report

Abstract:

Nearly seven out of every 10 American Indians and Alaska Natives—2.8 million—live in or near cities, and that number is growing. This change in lifestyle has left many in dire circumstances and poor health. This report, produced by the Urban Indian Health Commission, reviews the prevalence of three diseases—depression, diabetes and cardiovascular disease—in the American Indian and Alaska Native population.
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Key Findings:
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* Up to 30 percent of all American Indian and Alaska Native adults suffer from depression, and there is strong reason to believe the proportion is even greater among those living in cities.
* Compared to the general U.S. population, American Indians and Alaska Natives have a higher prevalence of diabetes, a greater mortality rate from diabetes and an earlier age of diabetes onset.
* Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death among American Indians and Alaska Natives and kills more American Indians and Alaska Natives age 45 and older than cancer, diabetes and unintentional injuries—combined.