Richard T. Oster

Diabetes in pregnancy among First Nations women in Alberta, Canada: a retrospective analysis.

BackgroundIn addition to increasing the risk of adverse birth outcomes, diabetes in pregnancy is thought to be an important driver of the epidemic of type 2 diabetes affecting Canada’s First Nations population. The relative contributions of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and pre-existing diabetes are not well understood. We generated a comprehensive epidemiological profile of diabetes in pregnancy over a 10-year period among the First Nations population of Alberta, Canada.MethodsDe-identified administrative data for 427,058 delivery records were obtained for the years 2000–2009. Pregnancy risk factors and delivery outcomes were described and compared by ethnicity (First Nations vs. non-First Nations) and diabetes status. Age-adjusted prevalence values for GDM and pre-existing diabetes were calculated and were compared by ethnicity. Longitudinal changes over time were also examined. Predictors were explored using logistic regression analysis.ResultsFirst Nations women had more antenatal risk factors and adverse infant outcomes that were compounded by diabetes. First Nations descent was an independent predictor of diabetes in pregnancy (p < 0.001). GDM prevalence was significantly higher among First Nations (6.1%) compared to non-First Nations women (3.8%; p < 0.001), but prevalence values increased significantly over time only in non-First Nations women (4.5 average annual percent change; p < 0.05). The prevalence of pre-existing diabetes was stable over time in both groups, but First Nations women experienced a 2.5-fold higher overall prevalence compared with non-First Nations women (1.5% vs. 0.6%, respectively; p < 0.001).ConclusionsAlthough First Nations women experience a higher overall prevalence of diabetes in pregnancy, the lack of increase in the prevalence over time is encouraging. However, because high-risk pregnancies and poor outcomes are more common among First Nations women, particularly those with diabetes, strategies to improve perinatal care must be implemented.

Increasing rates of diabetes and cardiovascular risk in Métis settlements in northern Alberta

Abstract Objectives. To determine the prevalence of diabetes (using secondary data analysis), as well as undiagnosed diabetes and pre-diabetes (using primary research methods) among adult Métis Settlement dwellers in northern Alberta. We also sought to identify cardiovascular risk factors. Study design. Quantitative research study utilizing both population census and community-based diabetes screening data. Methods. Self-reported diabetes was analyzed from the results of the Métis Settlement specific censuses in 1998 and 2006. Mobile clinics travelled into each of the 8 Métis Settlement communities in Alberta recruiting 693 subjects for screening for undiagnosed diabetes, pre-diabetes and metabolic syndrome. Logistic regression analyses (adjusted for age and sex) were used to identify associated factors. Results. According to the censuses, 4,312 Métis individuals were living on Settlements in 1998 and 5,059 in 2006. Self-reported age-adjusted prevalence of diabetes increased significantly from 5.1% in 1998 to 6.9% in 2006 (p<0.01), with a crude prevalence increase of 66% (p<0.01). In 2006, diabetes prevalence was higher among females than males, 7.8% vs. 6.1% respectively (p<0.05). Of the 266 adults screened in the fasting state, 5.3% had undiagnosed diabetes, whereas 20.3% (Canadian Diabetes Association criteria) and 51.9% (American Diabetes Association criteria) had 434 International Journal of Circumpolar Health 68:5 2009 pre-diabetes. Rates of obesity and metabolic syndrome were 49.4% (n=693) and 46.4% (n=266), respectively. Hemoglobin A1c>6.1% was strongly associated with diabetes, pre-diabetes and metabolic syndrome. Conclusions. Our results indicate high rates of diabetes, undiagnosed diabetes, pre-diabetes and metabolic syndrome among adult Alberta Métis Settlement dwellers.

Increasing rates of diabetes amongst status Aboriginal youth in Alberta, Canada

Objectives. To track and compare trends in diabetes rates from 1995 to 2007 for Status Aboriginal and general population youth. Study design. Longitudinal observational research study (quantitative) using provincial administrative data. Methods. De-identified data was obtained from Alberta Health and Wellness administrative databases for Status Aboriginal (First Nations and Inuit people with Treaty status) and general population youth (<20 years). Diabetes cases were identified using the National Diabetes Surveillance System algorithm. Crude annual diabetes prevalence and incidence rates were calculated. The likelihood of being a prevalent case and incident case of diabetes for the 2 populations was compared for the year 2007. Average Annual Percent Changes (AAPC) in prevalence and incidence from 1995 to 2007 were determined and compared between the 2 groups to examine trends over time. Results. While the prevalence of diabetes was higher in the general population in 1995, by 2007 there were no between group differences, reflected in the significantly higher AAPC of 6.98 for Status Aboriginal youth. Status Aboriginal males had a lower diabetes risk in 1995 compared with females, and experienced a greater increase in prevalence over the 13 years (AAPC 9.18) so that by 2007 their rates were equivalent to those of the females. Differences in diabetes incidence trends were only observed among male youth, where increases in incidence were greater for Status Aboriginal (AAPC 11.65) compared to general population males (AAPC 4.62) (p = 0.03). Conclusion. Youth-onset diabetes is an increasing problem in Alberta, especially among young Status Aboriginal males.

Kikiskawâwasow - prenatal healthcare provider perceptions of effective care for First Nations women: an ethnographic community-based participatory research study

BackgroundPregnant Indigenous women suffer a disproportionate burden of risk and adverse outcomes relative to non-Indigenous women. Although there has been a call for improved prenatal care, examples are scarce. Therefore, we explored the characteristics of effective care with First Nations women from the perspective of prenatal healthcare providers (HCPs).MethodsWe conducted an ethnographic community-based participatory research study in collaboration with a large Cree First Nations community in Alberta, Canada. We carried out semi-structured interviews with 12 prenatal healthcare providers (HCPs) that were recorded, transcribed, and subjected to qualitative content analysis.ResultsAccording to the participants, relationships and trust, cultural understanding, and context-specific care were key features of effective prenatal care and challenge the typical healthcare model. HCPs that are able to foster sincere, non-judgmental, and enjoyable interactions with patients may be more effective in treating pregnant First Nations women, and better able to express empathy and understanding. Ongoing HCP cultural understanding specific to the community served is crucial to trusting relationships, and arises from real experiences and learning from patients over and above relying only on formal cultural sensitivity training. Consequently, HCPs report being better able to adapt a more flexible, all-inclusive, and accessible approach that meets specific needs of patients.ConclusionsAligned with the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, improving prenatal care for First Nations women needs to allow for genuine relationship building with patients, with enhanced and authentic cultural understanding by HCPs, and care approaches tailored to women’s needs, culture, and context.

Diabetes in Pregnancy Among First Nations Women

We conducted a focused ethnography with 12 First Nations women who had had diabetes in pregnancy to understand their real-life experiences and find ways to improve care for those with diabetes in pregnancy. We carried out unstructured interviews that were recorded, transcribed, and subject to qualitative content analysis. The experience of diabetes in pregnancy is one wrought with difficulties but balanced to some degree by positive lifestyle changes. Having a strong support system (family, health care, cultural/community, and internal support) and the necessary resources (primarily awareness/education) allows women to take some control of their health. Efforts to improve pregnancy care for First Nations women should take a more patient-centered care approach and strive to enhance the support systems of these women, increase their sense of autonomy, and raise awareness of diabetes in pregnancy and its accompanying challenges.

A Retrospective Analysis of Stillbirth Epidemiology and Risk Factors Among First Nations and Non-First Nations Pregnancies in Alberta From 2000 to 2009

OBJECTIVE Using a large administrative dataset we examined stillbirth epidemiology in First Nations and non-First Nations pregnancies in Alberta, focusing on previously unexplored longitudinal trends. METHODS We undertook a retrospective analysis of de-identified data from 426 945 delivery records for the years 2000 to 2009. Age-adjusted prevalence of antepartum and intrapartum stillbirth were calculated and compared by ethnicity, as were longitudinal changes via average annual percent change analyses. Risk factors were explored via multivariable logistic regression analysis. RESULTS Overall age-adjusted prevalence of antepartum and intrapartum stillbirth was significantly higher (P < 0.001) in First Nations pregnancies than in non-First Nations pregnancies, and prevalence remained stable over time in both groups. Pre-existing diabetes was a strong predictor of stillbirth. CONCLUSION Stillbirth prevalence remains higher in First Nations pregnancies than in non-First Nations. Improved awareness of pre-existing diabetes and effective interventions are needed in First Nations women to decrease stillbirth risk.

Emerging Longitudinal Trends in Health Indicators for RuralResidents Participating in a Diabetes and Cardiovascular ScreeningProgram in Northern Alberta, Canada

Background. Geographic isolation, poverty, and loss of culture/tradition contribute to “epidemic” rates of diabetes amongst indigenous Canadians. The Mobile Diabetes Screening Initiative travels to rural indigenous and other remote communities in Alberta to screen for diabetes and cardiovascular risk. We sought to examine risk factors longitudinally. Methods. Clinical and anthropometric measurements were undertaken for 809 adults (aged 20–91) between November 2003 and December 2009. For those who had more than one MDSi visit, trend estimates (actual changes) were calculated for body mass index (BMI), weight, waist circumference, hemoglobin A1c (A1c), total cholesterol, and blood pressure. Results. Among those without diabetes (N = 629), BMI and weight increased (P < .01) and blood pressure decreased (P < .05). For those with diabetes (N = 180), significant improvements (P < .05) were observed for all indicators except waist circumference. Conclusion. Improvements observed suggest that MDSis model may effectively mediate some barriers and support subjects in managing their health.

Longitudinal Rates and Risk Factors for Adverse Birth Weight Among First Nations Pregnancies in Alberta

OBJECTIVE We wished to identify the prevalence, longitudinal trends, and associated risk factors for various birth weight categories by First Nations ethnicity in the province of Alberta. METHODS We performed a retrospective analysis of administrative data for the years 2000 to 2009 inclusive. Age-adjusted prevalence trends for high birth weight (HBW; > 4000g), very HBW (> 4500g), low birth weight (LBW; < 2500g), and very LBW (< 1500g) were compared via average annual percent change analyses. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine risk factors. RESULTS First Nations ethnicity was a significant independent predictor of HBW (OR 1.82 [95% CI 1.75, 1.89]), very HBW (OR 2.35 [95% CI 2.18, 2.52]), and very LBW (OR 1.35 [95% CI 1.23, 1.48]), but not of LBW (OR 0.98 [95% CI 0.93, 1.03]). However, HBW prevalence decreased and other birth weight categories remained stable over time in First Nations populations. Gestational diabetes and maternal weight ≥ 91 kg were potentially manageable risk factors for HBW. Potentially manageable risk factors for LBW included pre-gestational renal disease, hypertension, and maternal weight ≤ 45 kg, as well as smoking, illicit drug dependence, and alcohol consumption. CONCLUSION Although HBW, very HBW, and very LBW remain more common in Alberta First Nations populations than in the general population, their prevalence is not increasing.

Peyakohewamak—Needs of Involved Nehiyaw (Cree) Fathers Supporting Their Partners During Pregnancy: Findings From the ENRICH Study

We sought to understand the needs of involved Nehiyaw (Cree) fathers who supported their partners during pregnancy. We used qualitative description and a community-based participatory research approach. We carried out in-depth semi-structured interviews with six Nehiyaw fathers. Four also participated in photovoice and follow-up interviews. All data were content analyzed qualitatively. Fathers felt they had to support their partners and overcome challenges resulting from intergenerational colonial impacts (residential schools particularly) by reclaiming their roles and acknowledging the pregnancy as a positive change. Providing support was possible through their own strong support system stemming from family, faith, culture, and a stable upbringing with positive male role models and intact Nehiyaw kinships. Perinatal programming did little to include fathers. Attempts to improve perinatal care and outcomes should allow more inclusion of and support for Indigenous fathers through genuinely incorporating into care traditional culture and Elders, families, flexibility, cultural understanding, and reconciliation.

Canadian Alliance for Healthy Hearts and Minds: First Nations Cohort Study Rationale and Design

Abstract:Background: This is the first national indigenous cohort study in which a common, in-depth protocol with a common set of objectives has been adopted by several indigenous communities across Canada.Objectives: The overarching objective of the Canadian Alliance for Healthy Hearts and Minds (CAHHM) cohort is to investigate how the community-level environment is associated with individual health behaviors and the presence and progression of chronic disease risk factors and chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease (CVD) and cancer.Methods: CAHHM aims to recruit approximately 2,000 First Nations indigenous individuals from up to nine communities across Canada and have participants complete questionnaires, blood collection, physical measurements, cognitive assessments, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).Results: Through individual- and community-level data collection, we will develop an understanding of the specific role of the socioenvironmental, biological, and contextual factors have on the development of chronic disease risk factors and chronic diseases.Conclusions: Information collected in the indigenous cohort will be used to assist communities to develop local management strategies for chronic disease, and can be used collectively to understand the contextual, environmental, socioeconomic, and biological determinants of differences in health status in harmony with First Nations beliefs and reality.