Introduction Native American people are seeing a rapid increase in obesity and diabetes in the population. There is little information about the Native American Diet. The population suffers from cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, and obesity related diseases. In a survey conducted by the Navajo Nation, 50% men aged 40- 59 years, and 66% of women in all ages were considered obese. In other areas, 40% Native and Alaska Native children are overweight. Recent research has found that the problem begins in early childhood between the ages 2-5. Although child obesity is not limited to Native American children we know that Native children are overweight 13% compared to 8.6% non-Native American children. These problems are caused by a mix of issues that include poverty, location to resources, and lack of exercise. Government Food Distributions programs on reservations may be through the USDA and WIC Program. The purpose of this study was to examine the food choices and patterns of Native Americans in Montana and their participation in programs like WIC [Women, Infants and Children’s Program].

Materials and MethodsParticipants : 2 groups 105 Native American Families

§Location 1 Western Montana-- 11 Males  34 Females Age M=35.7 yrs          Education M=13.33 yrs

§Location 2 Eastern Montana -- 9 Males 23 Females Age M=29.1 yrs     Education M=12.74 yrs                      

Procedures: A qualitative research design- Survey Technique was employed. Participants were given a 50-item survey to complete.The participants who volunteered to complete the questionnaires were attending local area PowWows held in two locations in Montana. The participants represented tribal people from the state of Montana.

Results

• 100% report Using WIC foods•No statistical differences in REPORTED use of WIC food by either Location•Differences exist between Reported Use & Actual consumption•Participants Had Higher Intake of Sugar and high Calorie foods provided in Program•High consumption of canned fruit juices•Low consumption of canned vegetable juices•Low consumption of Fish [Essential Fish oils]

Are Nutrition Programs Like WIC Helping Native American People Make Healthy Food Choices

Sherri Ewing University of Montana, Bridges to the BaccalaureateMentor: Dr. Linda EagleHeart Thomas

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Figure 2. Mother & Infant

Figure3: Grandmother & grandchild

Women, Infant’s & Children Program

Federal Guidelines •25 years Old

•Low Income-185% at or below $34,873 family of 4•Nutritionally at-risk•Pregnant / postpartum•Child under 5 years old

•From 88,000 Women Infants & Children to 7.3 Million served

WIC Foods•Infant formula•Canned Fruit Juice•Infant cereal (Hot or Cold)•Milk (1%,2% and whole)•Cheddar Cheese•Eggs•Dried beans/peas•Peanut butter•Tuna Fish--canned•Carrots (fresh)

RESEARCH QUESTION

Is Participation In WIC Reflected In Reported Daily Food Choices of Two groups of Native American Parents residing in Montana?

Figure 1: Native American Mother & her Infant

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Cold Cereal Carrots OrangeJuice

Apple Juice PeanutButter

Tuna Milk Hot Cereal PintoBeans TomatoJuice

WIC Foods

WIC Usage BY Location

Western Eastern

AcknowledgmentsResearch Mentor: Dr. Linda EagleHeart Thomas, Ph.D. The University of Montana Funding: Project Bridges to the Baccalaureate  Program

        

Discussion and ConclusionsThe path leading to the health problems of Native American Populations are interwoven. Poverty, Hunger, Malnutrition, Under-nutrition, Food insecurity, Isolation, and Lack of exercise all contribute to the problem. Government Food programs have attempted to alleviate some of the hunger, malnutrition and under-nutrition associated with poverty. This study found that although 100% of the respondents reported to participating in the WIC program and following the guidelines, when diet was examined only aobut 50% of the recommended foods were consumed in a week. Of those foods that were consumed at higher percentages, most was the high sugar and fat containing foods. The Little information about the Native American diet continues to require further investigation into the etiology in the rapid increase in obesity and diabetes in Native American’s. It appears that although programs like WIC are attempting to educate and provide adequate nutrition, food choices continue to contribute to the ever increasing disorders of cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus and obesity related disease. The participants reported that weekly food selections were the Greatest in foods containing Sugar/Calories. Research has connected the large sugar intake related to Child Obesity & Diabetes. Additionally, evidence has shown that fresh fruits and vegetables are more nutritionally sound that canned fruits and vegetables. The findings of this study suggest Native American Children are checked MORE often for blood sugar levels and weight gain. Additionally, high sugar foods should be limited.

Literature Cited

Lifestyle intervention for Native American adults with diabetes in New Mexicohttp:// care.diabetesjournals.org/

Prevention and Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Children, With Special Emphasis on American Indian and Alaska Native Children; http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/

The Effect of Indian or Anglo Dietary Preference on the Incidence of Diabetes in Pima Indians; http:// care.diabetesjournals.org/