American Indian and Alaska native trends in behavioral health, 1990-1996

Objectives: To analyze and evaluate American Indian trends in behavioral ri sk for the period 1990 to 1996, Methods: Data on 5 health behaviors were dr awn from the 1990-1996 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) r epresenting the 34 states covered by the Indian Health Service. Time trends were analyzed with the use of linear regression. Results: Diabetes increas ed among Indian men. The average annual percentage-point increase in diabet es awareness among Indian men was 0.4 (p<.05), Conclusions: Greater attenti on needs to be focused on Indian health-risk behaviors, especially diabetes awareness, as well as the surveillance of related behaviors such as overwe ight, physical activity, and diet, States should be encouraged and provided resources to improve BRFSS Indian samples.