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Native American Women's Health Native American women come from more than 550 tribes, ranging in size from 20 to 250,000 people. Descending from the original inhabitants of this nation, they face new health risks associated with cultural dislocation, poverty, and the historical neglect of Indian rights and treaties. - Accidental deaths among Native American women are nearly three times the national average. Many are associated with a lack of seatbelt use and drunk driving.
- Diabetes rates range from 5% to as much as 50% in different Indian tribes. Diabetes is the fourth-ranked cause of death in Native American Women.
- Native American women die from alcoholism at five to six times the national rate. Drinking during pregnancy is three times the national average.
- Deaths from tuberculosis are five times the national rate.
- Native American women have some of the highest smoking rates in the country (44%), compared to white (29%), African American (23%), Hispanic (16%) and Asian (6%).
- Suicide death rates for young Native American women are nearly twice the national average, but are lower than average in older women.
- The average infant mortality rate among Native American women is 30% higher than the national average, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), is nearly two times higher.
- Gallstones. Native Americans have the highest prevalence of gallstones in the United States. Among the Pima Indians of Arizona, 70% of women have gallstones by age 30.
You can find out more about Native American women's health issues by contacting the following organizations: Indian Health Service, (301) 443-1840, www.tucson.ihs.gov Native American Women's Health Education Resource Center, (605) 487-7072 National Indian Council on Aging, (505) 292-2001 National Indian Health Board, (303) 759-3075 From the Office on Women's Health in the Department of Health and Human Services Current as of August 13, 2002
Last updated August 13, 2002
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