Chronic Health Conditions

Linked to overall physical, mental and spiritual well-being of Metlakatla individuals. Focused on diabetes (type 2) and hypertension. With adequate health education and access to primary health services, both conditions are considered manageable diseases.

Social/Health, Yugyetk

Chronic Health Conditions

Indicator

Diabetes (Type 2) Prevalence (% of Metlakatla members that reported having type 2 diabetes)

Current Status

Approximately 11% of members reported having type 2 diabetes (2020)

Indicator

Hypertension Prevalence (% of Metlakatla members that reported having hypertension)

Current Status

Approximately 18% of members reported having hypertension (2020)

Overview

Current Phase of Work: Priority value, Phase 3 – Setting tiered management triggers and actions

Why was chronic health conditions chosen as a priority value?

  • Important for understanding Metlakatla’s physical, mental and spiritual health outcomes
  • Chronic health conditions can have far-reaching consequences beyond the illnesses themselves
  • Chronic disease rates are often higher in Indigenous communities than non-Indigenous ones

Indicators

The condition indicators for chronic health conditions are diabetes (type 2) prevalence and hypertension prevalence. Diabetes and hypertension are affected by a range of key stressors including physical exercise, diet and substance misuse. Sense of connectedness was included as an additional key stressor. 

  • Diabetes (type 2) prevalence: % of Metlakatla members that reported having type 2 diabetes
  • Hypertension prevalence: % of Metlakatla members that reported having hypertension