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Qungasvik (Toolbox)-Healthy Hearts: A Cultural Approach to Reducing Chronic Disease Risk
Sponsor: University of Alaska Fairbanks
Summary
Due to the extreme remoteness, transportation challenges, and lack of access to clinical care, the delivery of preventative health interventions in rural Alaska Native communities is a top tribal priority. Chronic disease and behavioral health contribute to the higher rates of mortality and morbidity experienced in rural Alaska. This study will test the effectiveness of a culturally-grounded, community-delivered preventive intervention, Qungasvik-Healthy Hearts, to reduce risk factors associated with chronic disease and behavioral health in three rural Alaska Native communities. Implementation science outcomes will identify key contextual factors, social determinants and costs associated with health outcomes related to positive change in behavior, blood pressure, diet and physical activity, assessed among 300 participants from the three rural communities.
Official title: Qungasvik (Toolbox)-Healthy Hearts: An Alaska Enrichment Initiative (AK Enrichment)
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
12 Years - Any
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
300
Start Date
2026-10
Completion Date
2029-01
Last Updated
2026-09-21
Healthy Volunteers
Yes
Interventions
Qungasvik-Healthy Hearts
Qungasvik-Healthy Hearts preventive intervention is a novel adaptation of an evidence-based practice that was developed by Yup'ik AN communities to address mental health and alcohol misuse. Qungasvik-Healthy Hearts explores the broader association between revitalizing physically laborious, socially connecting, and nutritionally rich traditional Yup'ik practices like hunting, gathering, and fishing, with cerebrovascular and cardiovascular disease risk reduction. A local Community Planning Group (CPG) facilitates activities tailored to directly address upstream cerebrovascular and cardiovascular disease risk factors, by supporting youth and older adults to increase intensity and duration of physical activity, facilitate social support and connection, and increase intake of traditional Yup'ik foods. These activities included modules such as Yuraq (traditional Yup'ik dance), moose hunting, ice fishing, and gathering (greens, eggs, etc.) on the land.
Locations (1)
University of Alaska Fairbanks
Fairbanks, Alaska, United States