Qungasvik (Toolbox)-Healthy Hearts: A Cultural Approach to Reducing Chronic Disease Risk

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.

Inclusion Criteria: * self-identify as a permanent resident of the study community * be a youth between the ages of 12-17 years, a young adult between the ages of 18-24, or an adult or elder the ages of 45+ * be able to provide written informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: * does not have permanent residence in the community * is unable to provide written informed consent. All participant-facing study materials will be provided at an eighth-grade reading level.