Community-led 2-Year Intervention to Promote Heart-Healthy Diet and Active Lifestyle Among Yupik Alaska Native Adults

What this Trial Is About

Heart disease is a leading cause of death among Yupik Alaska Native people, with risk factors linked to changes in diet and physical activity over the past 60 years. This research aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the Diet and Active Lifestyle - Yuuyaraq DAiLY intervention, which is grounded in Yupik cultural values and Indigenous Food Sovereignty, to reduce heart disease risk by promoting healthier eating and more active lifestyles. The DAiLY intervention lasts two years and includes three main components home-based workshops led by community members to increase knowledge about healthy traditional and store-bought foods and physical activity modifications in local food stores to improve access to affordable healthy foods through promotions and education and community events such as traditional dance, sports, and berry festivals to encourage physical activity. These components are supported by social media, text messaging, and visual materials, with participants using Fitbits to track activity. Participants will be involved in workshops, community events, and store promotions while researchers collect data through fasting blood samples, physical measurements, activity monitors, and questionnaires on diet and wellness. The study measures changes in heart disease risk using a continuous metabolic syndrome score over two years and also evaluates participant satisfaction, program reach, and community-level outcomes like food access and physical activity opportunities. Results will be shared with communities, and all intervention materials will be freely available after the trial.

Diet and Active Lifestyle - Yuuyaraq (The Yup'ik Way of Life)