Date of Award:

5-2000

Document Type:

Thesis

Degree Name:

Master of Science (MS)

Department:

Nutrition, Dietetics, and Food Sciences

Department name when degree awarded

Nutrition and Food Sciences

Committee Chair(s)

Nedra K. Christensen

Committee

Nedra K. Christensen

Abstract

A basic health and lifestyle questionnaire was given to a convenience sample of 103 Ute elders, age 50 and older. Fifty-three percent reported being diagnosed with diabetes. The mean BMI (body mass index) was 33.31 (SD=8.72). For descriptive purposes, BMI was divided into three categories: less than 25, 25-29.99, 30 or above. Eleven percent were in the BMI category of less than 25. Thirty percent of Ute elders reported a BMI between 25-29.99. Fifty two percent had a BMI of 30 or above. Diabetes rates among this Ute elder sample were significantly lower with a lower income, lower education level, older age, higher BMI, and having a family history of diabetes. A binary logistic regression revealed family history (Exp [B]=3.06; p < .01), and BMI (Exp [B]=2021; p < .05) to be predictive of diabetes rates among the sample of Ute elders. Diabetes among Ute elders was not associated with the typical complications of hypertension, heart disease, stroke, and renal disease. However, diabetes was associated with functional decline as measured by ADL/IADL index. A binary logistic regression revealed age to be more of a predictive factor in ADL/IADL score than diabetes.

Based on this survey, the Ute Tribe should focus future wellness programs on prevention and control of diabetes and obesity among their tribe. Prevention for these chronic diseases needs to begin with the youth as well as with the older members of the tribe. Currently, the Ute tribe has two programs to treat and prevent diabetes among their tribe. The Diabetes Prevention and Control Program is a clinic to provide intervention for those Ute members with diabetes. It also provides a small gym furnished with exercise equipment for members of the tribe to use at no cost to them. The other program for the youth of the tribe teaches about the importance of nutrition and exercise in their lifestyles. Future programs should expand upon existing programs in attempts to reach the whole tribe.

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