The AHA Oneida Study

BEHAVIORAL

Health Wellness Coaching

Health wellness coach will provide education and guidance about cultural nutrition

DIAGNOSTIC_TEST

Carotid ultrasound

Participants will undergo an ultrasound

BEHAVIORAL

School-age nutritional education program

Educational program will teach students about healthy Native American food choices

DIAGNOSTIC_TEST

Cognitive Testing

Participants will undergo a cognitive test.

DIAGNOSTIC_TEST

Blood work

Participants will undergo blood work.

Change in incidence of stroke and transient ischemic attack (TIA)

Time frame: Baseline to 1 year

Number of incidences of stroke or TIA during the study

Change in number of participants that meet American Heart Association (AHA) Simple Rules for Diastolic Blood Pressure.

Time frame: Baseline to 1 year

The AHA's simple rules for diastolic blood pressure: Normal = Less than 80 mm Hg; Elevated = Less than 80 mm Hg with a systolic reading of 120-129 mm Hg; Stage 1 Hypertension = 80-89 mm Hg; Stage 2 Hypertension = 90 mm Hg or higher; Hypertensive Crisis = Higher than 120 mm Hg (along with a systolic reading higher than 180 mm Hg). Researchers will be reporting the change in number of participants with diastolic blood pressure \<90 mmHg.

Change in number of participants that meet AHA's Simple Rules for Systolic Blood Pressure.

Time frame: Baseline to 1 year

The AHA uses these simple rules for systolic blood pressure (the top number): Normal is less than 120, Elevated is 120-129, Stage 1 Hypertension is 130-139, and Stage 2 Hypertension is 140 or higher. A systolic reading of 180 or higher indicates a hypertensive emergency. Researchers will be reporting the change in number of participants with systolic blood pressure \<140 mmHg.

Change in number of participants that meet AHA Simple Rules for Body Mass Index (BMI)

Time frame: Baseline to 1 year

The AHA uses the following guidelines for Body Mass Index (BMI) in adults: Underweight = Less than 18.5; Normal Weight = Between 18.5 and 24.9; Overweight = Between 25 and 29.9; and, Obesity = 30 or higher. Researchers will be reporting any improvement in BMI.

Change in Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA)

Time frame: Baseline to 1 year

MoCA is scored out of a total of 30 points, with a score of 26 or above generally considered normal. The MoCA assesses various cognitive domains, including memory, visuospatial abilities, language, and executive functions. A lower score indicates potential cognitive impairment, with specific cutoffs for mild (19-23), moderate (10-18), and severe (0-9) impairment.

Change in NIH Toolbox Score

Time frame: Baseline to 1 year

NIH Toolbox Cognition Battery consists of tests of multiple constructs to asses for cognitive, sensory, motor and emotional function

Change in Native American Acculturation Scale (NAAS)

Time frame: Baseline to 1 year

NAAS is a 20-item questionnaire developed to assess the level of acculturation in Native Americans. It measures an individual's connection to both traditional Native American culture and mainstream American culture. Scores range from a low of 1, indicating low acculturation (or high Native American identity) to a high of 5, indicating high acculturation (or high mainstream American identity), with a score of 3 indicating "bicultural". The NAAS examines areas like identity, language, friendships, behaviors, attitudes, and generational/geographic background.

Change in knowledge of health through a structured culturally competent school education programs about nutrition

Time frame: Baseline to 1 year

What is a clinical trial?

A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.

Is it safe to participate?

Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.

Will I be compensated?

Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.

Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?

When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.

Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?

Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.

How long does a clinical trial last?

Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.