Date of Conferral

10-6-2025

Degree

Doctor of Public Health (DrPH)

School

Public Health

Advisor

Manoj Sharma

Abstract

While there have been studies on obesity levels and physical activity levels across many populations and age groups, few studies have focused on Alaska Native Elders. The purpose of this study was to examine rurality (urban vs. rural counties), physical activity, and obesity level while controlling for sex, self-reported loneliness, and self-reported stress. The theoretical foundation for this study was based on the socio-ecological model (SEM), and the research questions in this study explored how rurality impacted obesity levels and how rurality impacted physical activity levels in Alaska Native Elders. The methodology of this study was a quantitative cross-sectional design analyzing data from 2023 CDC Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) data, including only Alaska Native Elder respondents aged 50 and over (N = 360). The data analytic procedures included bivariate analysis and complex sample multiple logistic regression to understand the impact of rurality on physical activity levels and obesity levels. Results indicated no association between rurality and physical activity levels or rurality and obesity levels; however, there was a significant association between obesity level and loneliness (Wald F = 85.630, p <0.001) and stress (Wald F = 3.505, p <0.001). The findings of this study highlight the impact of loneliness and stress on obesity levels in Alaskan Native Elder populations and could positively impact mental health care for this subpopulation. Future positive social change could also support increased physical activity levels and reduced obesity levels in this population, and more unified Elder Care programming across Alaska.

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