About the Study

The American Indian and Alaska Native population has experienced significant cardiovascular health disparities compared with other racial and ethnic groups in the U.S. Heart failure, in particular, causes significant morbidity and mortality in Navajo Nation. For many Navajo patients, similar to other American Indian populations, food insecurity is a major driver of health disparities. In fact, qualitative data from our heart failure patient advisory committee have found that 89% of patients with heart failure believe nutrition insecurity is a major barrier to optimal health. Dietary factors are believed to be an important cause of hospitalizations in patients with heart failure and cardiovascular outcomes. There is increasing evidence that direct dietary support, such as produce prescription or provision of medically tailored meals may improve cardiovascular outcomes and disease-specific quality of life. Furthermore, there has been an increased focus in Indigenous communities to reclaim traditional indigenous foods to improve health. However, more evidence of the benefit of traditional Indigenous foods for cardiovascular health is needed.

We, therefore, in discussion with community members and tribal partners at two Indian Health Service (IHS) sites in Navajo Nation, will implement and evaluate the effectiveness of a medically and Native-sourced culturally tailored meal delivery program to improve outcomes in heart failure in rural Navajo Nation.