University of Colorado Denver

Demographics

• 5.2 million individuals identified as American Indian (1.7% of the US population)
• American Indians live predominantly in the West (43%) and South (31%)
• Approximately  40%  of  American Indians live on reservations
• 560 American Indian tribes and communities recognized by US Government.  Tribes are legally sovereign nations.
• American Indian groups reflect great cultural diversity, with differences in language, culture and customs
• Median age is 29 compared to 35 for the US as a whole
• Approximately 33% are under 18 (compared to 26% of overall US population)
• 6% are 65 or older (12% for US)
• 71% of American Indians have at least a high school education and 11% at least a baccalaureate degree, (compared to 80% and 24%, respectively)
• 2006, the overall poverty rate for American Indians is 26%, compared to 12% of the US generally.

Health Disparities of the American Indian Population Compared with the General US Population

• Life expectancy is 6 years less
• Infant mortality rate is 21% higher
• Injuries are 3.4 times higher
• Tuberculosis is 4.4 times higher
• Alcoholism is 7.5 times higher
• Diabetes is almost 4 times higher
•  CHD is 2 times higher
• CVD rates are rising, and CVD appears to be more fatal
• Higher mortality from all cancers than other groups
• Higher risks:
• Obesity in  WIC children is nearly double
• Smoking is more prevalent (36% vs 23%)
• Adults are less likely to report regular exercise (50% vs 37%) 

Oral Health Disparities among the American Indian Population

• Results from IHS Oral Health Surveys show early childhood caries continues to increase
• Children (ages 2-5) are 3+ times more likely to have untreated decay  (68% vs 19%)
• Adults have significantly more periodontal disease
• Nearly 25% of adults over 65 are completely edentulous.