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van Doren TP, Brown RA, Chi G, Cochran P, Cueva K, Eichelberger L, Fried R, Fritz S, Hahn MB, Heintz R, Holen D, Johnson N, Lavoie J, Maxwell E, McNair L, Nicewonger T, Orttung RW, Petrov AN, Powell JE. Beyond COVID: towards a transdisciplinary synthesis for understanding responses and developing pandemic preparedness in Alaska. Int J Circumpolar Health 2024; 83:2404273. [PMID: 39283062 PMCID: PMC11407410 DOI: 10.1080/22423982.2024.2404273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2024] [Revised: 09/02/2024] [Accepted: 09/10/2024] [Indexed: 09/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Pandemics are regularly occurring events, and there are foundational principles of pandemic preparation upon which communities, regions, states, and nations may draw upon for elevated preparedness against an inevitable future infectious disease threat. Many disciplines within the social sciences can provide crucial insight and transdisciplinary thinking for the development of preparedness measures. In 2023, the National Science Foundation funded a conference of circumpolar researchers and Indigenous partners to reflect on COVID-19-related research. In this article, we synthesise our diverse social science perspectives to: (1) identify potential areas of future pandemic-related research in Alaska, and (2) pose new research questions that elevate the needs of Alaska and its people, pursuant of a specific body of pandemic knowledge that takes into account the ecological and sociocultural contexts of the region. In doing so, we highlight important domains of research in the social sciences from transdisciplinary perspectives, including the centering of Indigenous knowledges and needs, the contexts of risk perception and resilience, food and housing security, and more. We highlight the contributions of social sciences to pandemic knowledge and provide a foundation for future pandemic-related research in Alaska.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taylor P. van Doren
- Institute for Circumpolar Health Studies, University of Alaska Anchorage, Anchorage, AK, USA
| | - Ryan A. Brown
- Pardee RAND Graduate School, RAND Corporation, Santa Monica, CA, USA
| | - Guangqing Chi
- Department of Agricultural Economics, Sociology, and Education, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | | | - Katie Cueva
- Institute of Social and Economic Research, University of Alaska Anchorage, Anchorage, AK, USA
| | - Laura Eichelberger
- Research Services, Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, Anchorage, AK, USA
| | - Ruby Fried
- Institute for Circumpolar Health Studies, University of Alaska Anchorage, Anchorage, AK, USA
| | - Stacey Fritz
- Alaska Adaptable Housing/Cold Climate Housing Research Center, Fairbanks, AK, USA
| | - Micah B. Hahn
- Institute for Circumpolar Health Studies, University of Alaska Anchorage, Anchorage, AK, USA
| | - Ron Heintz
- Sitka Sound Science Center, Sitka, AK, USA
| | - Davin Holen
- Alaska Sea Grant, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK, USA
| | - Noor Johnson
- National Snow and Ice Data Center, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA
| | - Josée Lavoie
- Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, USA
| | - Emily Maxwell
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK, USA
| | - Lisa McNair
- Engineering Education, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | | | - Robert W. Orttung
- Elliott School of International Affairs, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | | | - James E. Powell
- Alaska Coastal Rainforest Center, University of Alaska Southeast, Juneau, AK, USA
- International Arctic Research Center, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK, USA
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Redvers N, Hartmann-Boyce J, Tonkin-Crine S. Patient-planetary health co-benefit prescribing in a circumpolar health region: a qualitative study of physician voices from the Northwest Territories, Canada. BMJ Open 2024; 14:e081156. [PMID: 38431297 PMCID: PMC10910660 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-081156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite climate change being described as a code red for humanity, health systems have been particularly slow in both climate mitigation and adaptation responses. The effects of climate change on health and health systems will not be felt equally, with underserved and marginalised communities disproportionately impacted. The circumpolar region is warming at 3-4 times the global rate, amplifying already existing socioeconomic barriers and health inequities, with particular amplified effects for the substantial Indigenous population in the area. OBJECTIVES AND SETTING We therefore sought to explore perspectives of physicians around patient-planetary health (P-PH) co-benefit prescribing in a circumpolar region in the Northwest Territories (NWT), Canada, known to be one of the ground zero levels for climate change. METHODS Thirteen semi-structured physician interviews were carried out in the NWT region between May 2022 and March 2023 using purposive sampling. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and reflexive thematic analysis was carried out to identify key themes. RESULTS There were three main themes identified including (1) current healthcare system does not support planetary health, (2) supporting patient-planetary health is currently difficult for clinicians and (3) considering change in the NWT to support patient-planetary health. Participants noted key opportunities to move planetary health forward, with the NWT having the potential to be an innovative model for planetary health-informed change for other health systems. CONCLUSION The NWT health system has unique features due to its rural and remote nature and smaller population base. Despite this, our study identified some key opportunities for advancing P-PH co-benefit efforts. The identified opportunities may be considered in future intervention, organisational change and policy-making efforts with potential relevance in other settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Redvers
- Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
- Department for Continuing Education, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Jamie Hartmann-Boyce
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Department of Health Policy and Promotion, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Sarah Tonkin-Crine
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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3
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Risk perception, adaptation, and resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic in Southeast Alaska Natives. Soc Sci Med 2023; 317:115609. [PMID: 36525784 PMCID: PMC9734070 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2022.115609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Revised: 12/03/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Indigenous communities worldwide are at higher risk of negative pandemic outcomes, and communities Indigenous to the Arctic are disproportionately affected compared to national majorities. Despite this, their experiences have scarcely been investigated qualitatively and from their own perspectives. We collected and analyzed 22 structured interviews in three Southeast Alaska island communities (Sitka, Hoonah, and Kake) to learn about their perceptions of and experiences with the COVID-19 pandemic. Interviews were analyzed with thematic qualitative analysis in Dedoose. Four primary categories were identified within which to discuss risk and resilience in Southeast Alaska: (1) risk perception, (2) socioeconomic impacts, (3) reactions to public health guidelines, and (4) coping. Primary findings indicate that Southeast Alaska Native communities display considerable resilience and adaptive flexibility despite the significant adversity imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Southeast Alaska Native people use historical and traditional knowledge to culturally ground adaptive behaviors to cope with the threat of COVID-19. Interviewees expressed that adaptive, community-centered, and non-individualistic behaviors strongly tied to Native culture minimized the negative epidemiological impacts of the pandemic. Future research can more deeply explore the root causes of the need for adaptiveness and resilience, such as histories of colonialism and marginalization, to emergency situations in Indigenous communities.
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Tiwari S, Petrov AN, Devlin M, Welford M, Golosov N, DeGroote J, Degai T, Ksenofontov S. The second year of pandemic in the Arctic: examining spatiotemporal dynamics of the COVID-19 "Delta wave" in Arctic regions in 2021. Int J Circumpolar Health 2022; 81:2109562. [PMID: 35976076 PMCID: PMC9387323 DOI: 10.1080/22423982.2022.2109562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Revised: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The second year of the COVID-19 pandemic in the Arctic was dominated by the Delta wave that primarily lasted between July and December 2021 with varied epidemiological outcomes. An analysis of the Arctic's subnational COVID-19 data revealed a massive increase in cases and deaths across all its jurisdictions but at varying time periods. However, the case fatality ratio (CFR) in most Arctic regions did not rise dramatically and was below national levels (except in Northern Russia). Based on the spatiotemporal patterns of the Delta outbreak, we identified four types of pandemic waves across Arctic regions: Tsunami (Greenland, Iceland, Faroe Islands, Northern Norway, Northern Finland, and Northern Canada), Superstorm (Alaska), Tidal wave (Northern Russia), and Protracted Wave (Northern Sweden). These regionally varied COVID-19 epidemiological dynamics are likely attributable to the inconsistency in implementing public health prevention measures, geographical isolation, and varying vaccination rates. A lesson remote and Indigenous communities can learn from the Arctic is that the three-prong (delay-prepare-respond) approach could be a tool in curtailing the impact of COVID-19 or future pandemics. This article is motivated by previous research that examined the first and second waves of the pandemic in the Arctic. Data are available at https://arctic.uni.edu/arctic-covid-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sweta Tiwari
- ARCTICenter, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, Iowa, USA
- Department of Geography, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, Iowa, USA
| | - Andrey N. Petrov
- ARCTICenter, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, Iowa, USA
- Department of Geography, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, Iowa, USA
| | - Michele Devlin
- ARCTICenter, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, Iowa, USA
- Center for Strategic Leadership, USA Army War College, Carlisle, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Mark Welford
- Department of Geography, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, Iowa, USA
| | - Nikolay Golosov
- Department of Geography, Pennsylvania State University, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - John DeGroote
- Department of Geography, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, Iowa, USA
| | - Tatiana Degai
- ARCTICenter, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, Iowa, USA
- Department of Anthropology, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Stanislav Ksenofontov
- ARCTICenter, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, Iowa, USA
- Department of Geography, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, Iowa, USA
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Upfold C, Chaimowitz G. Forensic psychiatry services in Nunavut. Int J Circumpolar Health 2021; 80:1954362. [PMID: 34278974 PMCID: PMC8291065 DOI: 10.1080/22423982.2021.1954362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
There is a paucity of research on forensic psychiatry patients from Nunavut, including no published data concerning the prevalence and characterisation of patients in this territory. The lack of basic information hinders the evaluation of services and establishing best practices. The current paper aims to characterise forensic psychiatry patients from Nunavut and further the understanding of the challenges in organising forensic psychiatry healthcare in Nunavut. A retrospective chart review design was used to examine individuals from Nunavut who are engaged with the Ontario forensic psychiatry system. The sample included all Unfit to Stand Trial (26.7%) and Not Criminally Responsible (73.3%) patients (N = 15) under the jurisdiction of the Nunavut Review Board in a one-year period. The average distance between the patient’s place of residence in Nunavut and the Ontario facilities was 2,517 km. Overall, 26.7% were living in Nunavut, 60.0% remained in Ontario, and 13.3% resided in Alberta. Results are presented for sociodemographics, forensic status, personal and familial history, psychiatric and criminal history, diagnoses, index offence characteristics, treatment, assessment tools, and aggression. The prevalence and many characteristics of forensic psychiatry patients from Nunavut differ from the rest of Canada and have important implications for the delivery of services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Casey Upfold
- Forensic Psychiatry Program, St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton - West 5th Campus, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Gary Chaimowitz
- Forensic Psychiatry Program, St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton - West 5th Campus, Hamilton, ON, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
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6
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Simkin J, Nash SH, Barchuk A, O'Brien DK, Erickson AC, Hanley B, Hannah H, Corriveau A, Larsen IK, Skovlund CW, Larønningen S, Dummer TJB, Bruce MG, Ogilvie G. Stomach Cancer Incidence and Mortality Trends among Circumpolar Nations. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2021; 30:845-856. [PMID: 33627381 DOI: 10.1158/1055-9965.epi-20-1618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2020] [Revised: 01/14/2021] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Stomach cancer incidence and mortality rates are declining across circumpolar nations, but the burden may not be distributed equally across subpopulations, including Indigenous peoples. Our objective was to examine stomach cancer incidence and mortality trends across circumpolar populations. METHODS Cancer incidence and mortality data from 1999-2016 were obtained from the Canadian Cancer Registry, Canadian Vital Statistics, CDC WONDER, NORDCAN, Northwestern Russian cancer registries, and National Cancer Reports. The direct method was used to calculate 10-year rolling age-standardized incidence and mortality rates to the world (WHO 2000-2025) and 2011 Canadian standard populations. Standardized incidence rate ratios (SRR) were calculated. Data were stratified by sex, year, and region. U.S. data were broken down by race [White; American Indian/Alaska Native (AIAN)]. Race data were not available from non-U.S. cancer registries. RESULTS Most populations showed declining incidence and mortality rates over time. Incidence rates among Greenland males and females, Alaska AIAN males and females, and Northern Canadian both sexes were elevated compared with regional counterparts and remained stable. The largest male SRR was observed among Alaska AIAN versus Alaska Whites [SRR = 3.82; 95% confidence interval (95% CI), 2.71-5.37]. The largest female SRR was observed among Alaska AIAN versus Alaska Whites (SRR = 4.10; 95% CI, 2.62-6.43). CONCLUSIONS Despite stomach cancer incidence and mortality rates declining overall, some northern and Indigenous populations experience elevated and stable incidence and mortality rates. IMPACT There is a need to address disparities observed among circumpolar subpopulations. Given similarities in incidence, mortality, and risk factor prevalence across circumpolar regions, addressing disparities could benefit from coordinated international action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Simkin
- Cancer Control Research, BC Cancer, British Columbia, Canada. .,School of Population and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Sarah H Nash
- Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, Anchorage, Alaska
| | - Anton Barchuk
- European University at Saint Petersburg, Saint Petersburg, Russia.,NN Petrov National Cancer Research Medical Center of Oncology, Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - David K O'Brien
- Alaska Cancer Registry, Health Analytics and Vital Records Section (HAVRS), Alaska Department of Health and Social Services, Anchorage, Alaska
| | - Anders C Erickson
- School of Population and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Brendan Hanley
- Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health, Department of Health and Social Services, Government of Yukon, Whitehorse, Yukon Territory, Canada
| | - Heather Hannah
- Department of Health and Social Services, Government of Northwest Territories, Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, Canada
| | - Andre Corriveau
- Department of Health and Social Services, Government of Northwest Territories, Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, Canada
| | | | | | | | - Trevor J B Dummer
- School of Population and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, British Columbia, Canada.,Centre of Excellence in Cancer Prevention, School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Michael G Bruce
- Arctic Investigations Program, Division of Preparedness and Emerging Infections, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Anchorage, Alaska
| | - Gina Ogilvie
- Cancer Control Research, BC Cancer, British Columbia, Canada.,School of Population and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, British Columbia, Canada.,Women's Health Research Institute, BC Women's Hospital + Health Centre, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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Hayward A, Cidro J, Dutton R, Passey K. A review of health and wellness studies involving Inuit of Manitoba and Nunavut. Int J Circumpolar Health 2020; 79:1779524. [PMID: 32543995 PMCID: PMC7480607 DOI: 10.1080/22423982.2020.1779524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2019] [Revised: 04/16/2020] [Accepted: 06/01/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this review is to summarise past Inuit health and wellness studies in Manitoba and the Kivalliq region of Nunavut to provide a snapshot of the types of studies available and identify the gaps in knowledge. Research to date has largely been disease-based and often provides comparisons between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people. Distinct Inuit experiences are rarely written about from an Inuit perspective. However, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, the national organisation of Inuit in Canada, and Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada have been leaders in strengths-based community research and publications that address priorities determined by the Inuit, including the 2018 Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami document National Inuit Strategy on Research (132).
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley Hayward
- Student Peace and Conflict Studies, University of Winnipeg, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Jaime Cidro
- Anthropology, University of Winnipeg, Canada Research Chair, Health and Culture, Winnipeg, Canada
| | | | - Kara Passey
- Development Practice: Indigenous Development (MDP) Student, University of Winnipeg, Winnipeg, Canada
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8
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Pollock NJ, Apok C, Concepcion T, Delgado RA, Rasmus S, Chatwood S, Collins PY. Global goals and suicide prevention in the Circumpolar North. Indian J Psychiatry 2020; 62:7-14. [PMID: 32001925 PMCID: PMC6964448 DOI: 10.4103/psychiatry.indianjpsychiatry_717_19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2019] [Accepted: 12/18/2019] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this selective narrative review is to provide an overview of suicide and suicide prevention in the Circumpolar North and the relevance of global strategies and policies to these themes. We conducted a selective review of the English language literature on Arctic Indigenous mental health, suicide, and suicide prevention. We briefly present the social context, epidemiology, and risk and protective factors for suicide in the Arctic, with a focus on Indigenous peoples. We highlight a recent collaborative, intergovernmental response to elevated suicide rates in this region, the Reducing the Incidence of Suicide in Indigenous Groups - Strengths United through Networks Initiative, which used a consensus methodology to identify key outcomes for evaluating suicide prevention interventions in the circumpolar context. In relation to the Sustainable Development Goals, we examine recent policy developments in Indigenous-led suicide prevention and identify opportunities for strengthening policy, community interventions, and research. Globally, suicide prevention is a public health priority, and reducing the number of suicide deaths is a key target for sustainable development. Although overall and country-specific suicide rates have decreased since 1990, there remains wide variation at the regional and local level. This is particularly evident in the Arctic region known as the Circumpolar North, where Indigenous peoples experience marked disparities in suicide risk and suicide deaths compared to non-Indigenous populations. The factors that influence these variations are complex and often rooted in the social and economic consequences of colonization. The integration of science, community-based and Indigenous knowledge, and policies that address upstream risks for suicide will play an important role in suicide prevention alongside the growing number of Indigenous suicide prevention strategies tailored for specific populations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Charlene Apok
- Indigenous Studies, Institute of Arctic Biology, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, Alaska, USA
| | - Tessa Concepcion
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Roberto A Delgado
- Office of Polar Programs, National Science Foundation, Alexandria, Virginia, USA
| | - Stacy Rasmus
- Center for Alaska Native Research, Institute of Arctic Biology, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, Alaska, USA
| | - Susan Chatwood
- School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Pamela Y Collins
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
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Plamondon KM, Bisung E. The CCGHR Principles for Global Health Research: Centering equity in research, knowledge translation, and practice. Soc Sci Med 2019; 239:112530. [PMID: 31539786 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2019.112530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2019] [Revised: 07/24/2019] [Accepted: 08/29/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Medical geography and global health share a fundamental concern for health equity. Both fields operate within similar multiple intersecting funding, academic, health systems, and development landscapes to produce scholarship. Both reflect complex interactions and partnerships between people, communities and institutions of unequal power. The Canadian Coalition of Global Health Research Principles for Global Health Research evolved from deep concern about the absence of standards for how Canadians engage in this field. They can serve as a broadly relevant framework to guide how to integrate equity considerations into everyday research, knowledge translation, and practice activities. Comprised of six principles (authentic partnering, inclusion, shared benefits, commitment to the future, responsiveness to causes of inequities, and humility), they are an aspirational and reflective frame that can elevate equity as a central procedural goal and outcome. In this commentary, we describe each of the six principles and offer examples of how they are being applied to guide research practices, inform knowledge translation science and build capacity. We invite collective reflection about moving our field toward more meaningful health equity research and action, using the CCGHR Principles for Global Health Research to spark dialogue about how to align our practices with desire for a more equitable world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrina M Plamondon
- Faculty of Health & Social Development, School of Nursing, University of British Columbia; and Regional Practice Leader, Research & Knowledge Translation, Interior Health, Canada.
| | - Elijah Bisung
- School of Kinesiology & Health Studies, Queens University, Canada
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10
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Young TK, Fedkina N, Chatwood S, Bjerregaard P. Comparing health care workforce in circumpolar regions: patterns, trends and challenges. Int J Circumpolar Health 2019; 77:1492825. [PMID: 29968514 PMCID: PMC6032025 DOI: 10.1080/22423982.2018.1492825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The eight Arctic States exhibit substantial health disparities between their remote northernmost regions and the rest of the country. This study reports on the trends and patterns in the supply and distribution of physicians, dentists and nurses in these 8 countries and 25 regions and addresses issues of comparability, data gaps and policy implications Methods: We accessed publicly available databases and performed three types of comparisons: (1) among the 8 Arctic States; (2) within each Arctic State, between the northern regions and the rest of the country; (3) among the 25 northern regions. The unit of comparison was density of health workers per 100,000 inhabitants, and the means of three 5-year periods from 2000 to 2014 were computed. Results: The Nordic countries consistently exceed North America in the density of all three categories of health professionals, whereas Russia reports the highest density of physicians but among the lowest in terms of dentists and nurses. The largest disparities between “north” and “south” are observed in the Northwest Territories and Nunavut of Canada for physicians, and in Greenland for all three categories. The disparity is much less pronounced in the northern regions of Nordic countries, while Arctic Russia tends to be oversupplied in all categories. Conclusions: Despite efforts and standardisation of definitions by international organisations such as OECD, it is difficult to obtain an accurate and comparable estimate of the health workforce even in the basic categories of physicians, dentists and nurses . The use of head counts is particularly problematic in jurisdictions that rely on short-term visiting staff. Comparing statistics also needs to take into account the health care system, especially where primary health care is nurse-based. List of Abbreviations ADA: American Dental Association; AHRF: Area Health Resource File; AMA: American Medical Association; AO: Autonomous Okrug; AVI: Aluehallintovirasto; CHA: Community Health Aide; CHR: Community Health Representative; CHW: Community Health Worker; CIHI: Canadian Institute for Health Information; DO: Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine; FTE: Full Time Equivalent; HPDB: Health Personnel Database; MD: Doctor of Medicine; NOMESCO: Nordic Medico-Statistical Committee; NOSOSCO: Nordic Social Statistical Committee; NOWBASE: Nordic Welfare Database; NWT: Northwest Territories; OECD: Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development; RN: Registered Nurse; SMDB: Scott’s Medical Database; WHO: World Health Organization
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Affiliation(s)
- T Kue Young
- a School of Public Health , University of Alberta , Edmonton , Canada
| | - Natalia Fedkina
- a School of Public Health , University of Alberta , Edmonton , Canada
| | - Susan Chatwood
- a School of Public Health , University of Alberta , Edmonton , Canada.,b Institute for Circumpolar Health Research , Yellowknife , Northwest Territories , Canada.,c Dalla Lana School of Public Health , University of Toronto , Toronto , Canada
| | - Peter Bjerregaard
- d National Institute of Public Health , University of Southern Denmark , Copenhagen , Denmark.,e Greenland Centre for Health Research , University of Greenland , Nuuk , Greenland
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11
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Senturia K, Fiset L, Hort K, Huebner C, Mallott E, Milgrom P, Nelson L, Parrish C, Cunha-Cruz J. Dental health aides in Alaska: A qualitative assessment to improve paediatric oral health in remote rural villages. Community Dent Oral Epidemiol 2018; 46:416-424. [PMID: 29863284 DOI: 10.1111/cdoe.12385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2017] [Accepted: 04/25/2018] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Isolated villages in Alaska face disparities in oral health and access to care. Dental health aides such as the primary dental health aide (PDHA) and the dental health therapist (DHAT) fill a critical role for providing dental care in Alaska. Our objective was to describe strengths and barriers to paediatric dental care for children living in remote Alaska villages from the perspectives of the community and the health care system. METHODS This qualitative study collected data through semi-structured key informant interviews with community members (n = 19) and healthcare workers (n = 19) and focus groups with patients (n = 31 adolescents and 16 caregivers of children under 12 years) living in or providing health care to 3 remote villages in Alaska. Using an inductively developed codebook and a narrative approach, 3 researchers independently read and thematically analysed the transcripts. RESULTS Two themes emerged: (i) PDHAs and DHATs are perceived as sustainable and strongly positioned to meet the unique dental needs of the rural communities; (ii) PDHAs and DHATs face barriers that limit their effectiveness, and their distinct roles require clarification and administrative support. CONCLUSIONS Dental health aides, both PDHAs and DHATs, are well accepted in Alaska villages. An innate understanding of cultural norms and continuity of care are key elements driving village satisfaction. The potential exists administratively to strengthen the model with the implementation of clinical and office-system strategies to increase efficiency of the dental team. Culturally adapted implementation strategies will be critical to the successful expansion of new workforce models that are addressing health disparities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirsten Senturia
- Department of Health Services, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Louis Fiset
- Department of Oral Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Kim Hort
- SouthEast Alaska Regional Health Consortium, Juneau, AK, USA
| | - Colleen Huebner
- Department of Health Services, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | - Peter Milgrom
- Department of Oral Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Lonnie Nelson
- School of Nursing, Washington State University, Spokane, WA, USA
| | - Canada Parrish
- Department of Oral Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Joana Cunha-Cruz
- Department of Oral Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
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12
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Simkin J, Woods R, Elliott C. Cancer mortality in Yukon 1999-2013: elevated mortality rates and a unique cancer profile. Int J Circumpolar Health 2018; 76:1324231. [PMID: 28598269 PMCID: PMC5497549 DOI: 10.1080/22423982.2017.1324231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Although cancer is the leading cause of death in Canada, cancer in the North has been incompletely described. Objective: To determine cancer mortality rates in the Yukon Territory, compare them with Canadian rates, and identify major causes of cancer mortality. Design: The Yukon Vital Statistics Registry provided all cancer deaths for Yukon residents between 1999-2013. Age-standardised mortality rates (ASMRs) were calculated using direct standardisation and compared with Canadian rates. Standardised mortality ratios (SMRs) were calculated using indirect standardisation relative to age-specific rates from Canada, British Columbia (BC), and three sub-provincial BC administrative health regions : Interior Health (IH), Northern Health (NH) and Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH). Trends in smoothed ASMRs were examined with graphical methods. Results: Yukon’s all-cancer ASMRs were elevated compared with national and provincial rates for the entire period. Disparities were greatest compared with the urban VCH: prostate (SMRVCH=246.3, 95% CI 140.9–351.6), female lung (SMRVCH=221.2, 95% CI 154.3–288.1), female breast (SMRVCH=169.0 95% CI, 101.4–236.7), and total colorectal (SMRVCH=149.3, 95% CI 101.8–196.8) cancers were significantly elevated. Total stomach cancer mortality was significantly elevated compared with all comparators. Conclusions: Yukon cancer mortality rates were elevated compared with national, provincial, urban, and southern-rural jurisdictions. More research is required to elucidate these differences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Simkin
- a School of Population and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine , University of British Columbia , Vancouver , British Columbia , Canada.,b Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health , Department of Health and Social Services, Government of Yukon , Whitehorse , Yukon , Canada
| | - Ryan Woods
- a School of Population and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine , University of British Columbia , Vancouver , British Columbia , Canada.,c Cancer Control Research , British Columbia Cancer Agency , Vancouver , British Columbia , Canada
| | - Catherine Elliott
- a School of Population and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine , University of British Columbia , Vancouver , British Columbia , Canada.,b Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health , Department of Health and Social Services, Government of Yukon , Whitehorse , Yukon , Canada
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Chatwood S, Paulette F, Baker GR, Eriksen AMA, Hansen KL, Eriksen H, Hiratsuka V, Lavoie J, Lou W, Mauro I, Orbinski J, Pambrun N, Retallack H, Brown A. Indigenous Values and Health Systems Stewardship in Circumpolar Countries. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2017; 14:E1462. [PMID: 29186925 PMCID: PMC5750881 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph14121462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2017] [Revised: 10/29/2017] [Accepted: 11/23/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Circumpolar regions, and the nations within which they reside, have recently gained international attention because of shared and pressing public policy issues such as climate change, resource development, endangered wildlife and sovereignty disputes. In a call for national and circumpolar action on shared areas of concern, the Arctic states health ministers recently met and signed a declaration that identified shared priorities for international cooperation. Among the areas for collaboration raised, the declaration highlighted the importance of enhancing intercultural understanding, promoting culturally appropriate health care delivery and strengthening circumpolar collaboration in culturally appropriate health care delivery. This paper responds to the opportunity for further study to fully understand indigenous values and contexts, and presents these as they may apply to a framework that will support international comparisons and systems improvements within circumpolar regions. We explored the value base of indigenous peoples and provide considerations on how these values might interface with national values, health systems values and value bases between indigenous nations particularly in the context of health system policy-making that is inevitably shared between indigenous communities and jurisdictional or federal governments. Through a mixed methods nominal consensus process, nine values were identified and described: humanity, cultural responsiveness, teaching, nourishment, community voice, kinship, respect, holism and empowerment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan Chatwood
- Institute for Circumpolar Health Research, Yellowknife, NT X1A 3X7, Canada.
- School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 1C9, Canada.
- Institute of Health Policy Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5T 3M6, Canada.
| | - Francois Paulette
- Elders Council, Dene Nation, Northwest Territories, Yellowknife, NT X1A 1S1, Canada.
| | - G Ross Baker
- Institute of Health Policy Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5T 3M6, Canada.
| | - Astrid M A Eriksen
- Department of Community Medicine, The Artic University of Norway, 1909 Tromsø, Norway.
| | - Ketil Lenert Hansen
- Regional Centre for Child and Youth Mental Health and Child Welfare (RKBU North), Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT the Arctic University of Norway, 1909 Tromsø, Norway.
| | - Heidi Eriksen
- Health Care Centre, Municipality of Utsjoki, 99981 Utsjoki, Finland.
| | | | - Josée Lavoie
- Manitoba First Nations-Centre for Aboriginal Health Research, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada.
- Community Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 0W3, Canada.
| | - Wendy Lou
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5T3M7, Canada.
| | - Ian Mauro
- Department of Geography, University of Winnipeg, Winnipeg, MB R3B 2E9, Canada.
| | - James Orbinski
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5T3M7, Canada.
- Dahdaleh Institute for Global Health Research, York University, Toronto, ON M3J 1P3, Canada.
| | - Nathalie Pambrun
- National Aboriginal Council of Midwives, Montreal, QC H8R 3R9, Canada.
| | - Hanna Retallack
- Institute for Circumpolar Health Research, Yellowknife, NT X1A 3X7, Canada.
| | - Adalsteinn Brown
- Institute of Health Policy Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5T 3M6, Canada.
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5T3M7, Canada.
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14
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Ford JD, Stephenson E, Cunsolo Willox A, Edge V, Farahbakhsh K, Furgal C, Harper S, Chatwood S, Mauro I, Pearce T, Austin S, Bunce A, Bussalleu A, Diaz J, Finner K, Gordon A, Huet C, Kitching K, Lardeau MP, McDowell G, McDonald E, Nakoneczny L, Sherman M. Community-based adaptation research in the Canadian Arctic. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS. CLIMATE CHANGE 2016; 7:175-191. [PMID: 27668014 PMCID: PMC5020601 DOI: 10.1002/wcc.376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2015] [Revised: 08/10/2015] [Accepted: 10/05/2015] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Community-based adaptation (CBA) has emerged over the last decade as an approach to empowering communities to plan for and cope with the impacts of climate change. While such approaches have been widely advocated, few have critically examined the tensions and challenges that CBA brings. Responding to this gap, this article critically examines the use of CBA approaches with Inuit communities in Canada. We suggest that CBA holds significant promise to make adaptation research more democratic and responsive to local needs, providing a basis for developing locally appropriate adaptations based on local/indigenous and Western knowledge. Yet, we argue that CBA is not a panacea, and its common portrayal as such obscures its limitations, nuances, and challenges. Indeed, if uncritically adopted, CBA can potentially lead to maladaptation, may be inappropriate in some instances, can legitimize outside intervention and control, and may further marginalize communities. We identify responsibilities for researchers engaging in CBA work to manage these challenges, emphasizing the centrality of how knowledge is generated, the need for project flexibility and openness to change, and the importance of ensuring partnerships between researchers and communities are transparent. Researchers also need to be realistic about what CBA can achieve, and should not assume that research has a positive role to play in community adaptation just because it utilizes participatory approaches. WIREs Clim Change 2016, 7:175-191. doi: 10.1002/wcc.376 For further resources related to this article, please visit the WIREs website.
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Affiliation(s)
- James D Ford
- Department of Geography McGill University Montreal Canada
| | | | | | - Victoria Edge
- Department of Population Medicine University of Guelph Guelph Canada
| | | | - Christopher Furgal
- Departments of Indigenous Studies & Environmental Studies Trent University Peterborough Canada
| | - Sherilee Harper
- Department of Population Medicine University of Guelph Guelph Canada
| | - Susan Chatwood
- Institute for Circumpolar Health Research Yellowknife Canada
| | - Ian Mauro
- Department of Geography University of Winnipeg Winnipeg Canada
| | - Tristan Pearce
- Sustainability Research Centre University of the Sunshine Coast Sippy Downs Australia
| | | | - Anna Bunce
- Department of Geography McGill University Montreal Canada
| | | | - Jahir Diaz
- Faculty of Public Health Cayatano Heredia University Lima Peru
| | - Kaitlyn Finner
- Department of Geography McGill University Montreal Canada
| | - Allan Gordon
- Department of Engineering University of Guelph Guelph Canada
| | - Catherine Huet
- Department of Geography McGill University Montreal Canada
| | - Knut Kitching
- Department of Geography McGill University Montreal Canada
| | | | | | - Ellen McDonald
- Department of Population Medicine University of Guelph Guelph Canada
| | | | - Mya Sherman
- Department of Geography McGill University Montreal Canada
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Young TK, Kelly JJ, Friborg J, Soininen L, Wong KO. Cancer among circumpolar populations: an emerging public health concern. Int J Circumpolar Health 2016; 75:29787. [PMID: 26765259 PMCID: PMC4712322 DOI: 10.3402/ijch.v75.29787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2015] [Revised: 12/09/2015] [Accepted: 12/09/2015] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To determine and compare the incidence of cancer among the 8 Arctic States and their northern regions, with special focus on 3 cross-national indigenous groups--Inuit, Athabaskan Indians and Sami. METHODS Data were extracted from national and regional statistical agencies and cancer registries, with direct age-standardization of rates to the world standard population. For comparison, the "world average" rates as reported in the GLOBOCAN database were used. FINDINGS Age-standardized incidence rates by cancer sites were computed for the 8 Arctic States and 20 of their northern regions, averaged over the decade 2000-2009. Cancer of the lung and colon/rectum in both sexes are the commonest in most populations. We combined the Inuit from Alaska, Northwest Territories, Nunavut and Greenland into a "Circumpolar Inuit" group and tracked cancer trends over four 5-year periods from 1989 to 2008. There has been marked increase in lung, colorectal and female breast cancers, while cervical cancer has declined. Compared to the GLOBOCAN world average, Inuit are at extreme high risk for lung and colorectal cancer, and also certain rare cancers such as nasopharyngeal cancer. Athabaskans (from Alaska and Northwest Territories) share some similarities with the Inuit but they are at higher risk for prostate and breast cancer relative to the world average. Among the Sami, published data from 3 cohorts in Norway, Sweden and Finland show generally lower risk of cancer than non-Sami. CONCLUSIONS Cancer among certain indigenous people in the Arctic is an increasing public health concern, especially lung and colorectal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Kue Young
- School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada;
| | - Janet J Kelly
- Alaska Native Epidemiology Center, Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, Anchorage, AK, USA
| | - Jeppe Friborg
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Leena Soininen
- Department of Public Health, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Kai O Wong
- School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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Ruscio BA, Brubaker M, Glasser J, Hueston W, Hennessy TW. One Health - a strategy for resilience in a changing arctic. Int J Circumpolar Health 2015; 74:27913. [PMID: 26333722 PMCID: PMC4558275 DOI: 10.3402/ijch.v74.27913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2015] [Revised: 07/30/2015] [Accepted: 07/31/2015] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The circumpolar north is uniquely vulnerable to the health impacts of climate change. While international Arctic collaboration on health has enhanced partnerships and advanced the health of inhabitants, significant challenges lie ahead. One Health is an approach that considers the connections between the environment, plant, animal and human health. Understanding this is increasingly critical in assessing the impact of global climate change on the health of Arctic inhabitants. The effects of climate change are complex and difficult to predict with certainty. Health risks include changes in the distribution of infectious disease, expansion of zoonotic diseases and vectors, changing migration patterns, impacts on food security and changes in water availability and quality, among others. A regional network of diverse stakeholder and transdisciplinary specialists from circumpolar nations and Indigenous groups can advance the understanding of complex climate-driven health risks and provide community-based strategies for early identification, prevention and adaption of health risks in human, animals and environment. We propose a regional One Health approach for assessing interactions at the Arctic human-animal-environment interface to enhance the understanding of, and response to, the complexities of climate change on the health of the Arctic inhabitants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruce A Ruscio
- Office of International Health and Biodefense, Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs, U.S. Department of State, Washington, DC, USA;
| | - Michael Brubaker
- Center for Climate and Health, Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, Anchorage, AK, USA
| | - Joshua Glasser
- Office of International Health and Biodefense, Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs, U.S. Department of State, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Will Hueston
- Global Leadership Programs, Center for Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, St Paul, MN, USA
| | - Thomas W Hennessy
- Arctic Investigation Program, Division of Preparedness and Emerging Infections, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, GA, USA
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Young TK, Ng C, Chatwood S. Assessing health care in Canada's North: what can we learn from national and regional surveys? Int J Circumpolar Health 2015. [PMID: 26214103 PMCID: PMC4515641 DOI: 10.3402/ijch.v74.28436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Health surveys are a rich source of information on a variety of health issues, including health care. Objectives This article compares various national and regional surveys in terms of their geographical coverage with respect to the Canadian North, especially their Aboriginal population, and the comparability of the survey contents relating to health care. Methods Three surveys were selected as providing some information on health care, with separate estimates for the North and its Aboriginal populations. They are the Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS), Aboriginal Peoples Survey (APS) and the First Nations Regional Health Survey (RHS). Results Different surveys focus on different categories of Aboriginal people, and no single survey has covered all categories of Aboriginal people in the North consistently. RHS is targeted at the on-reserve First Nations population only. APS and CCHS sample the off-reserve First Nations population as well as Métis and Inuit. To achieve adequate sample size for North–South comparisons and comparisons among Aboriginal groups within the North, several cycles of the biennial/annual CCHS can be merged, producing a large data set with consistent coverage of topics using comparable questions. The content areas of the 3 surveys can be broadly categorized as health status, health determinants and health care. Substantial variation exists across surveys in the domains covered. There are also changes over time in terms of definitions, questions and even basic concepts. The available health care content of the 3 surveys focus on access to different types of health services, contact with different categories of health professionals, unmet health needs and the use of preventive services. Many important dimensions of health care are not covered. Not all these basic indicators are available for the North or its Aboriginal populations. Conclusions A comprehensive survey of health care in the North with sufficient sample size to provide reliable estimates for its subpopulations – urban and remote, Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal, and First Nations, Inuit and Métis – would provide useful information to decision-makers and service providers. Analytical studies can also be conducted to investigate the correlations and interactions among health status, health determinants and health care and assess whether such relationships differ among the different population groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Kue Young
- School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada;
| | - Carmina Ng
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Susan Chatwood
- Institute for Circumpolar Health Research, Yellowknife, NT, Canada.,Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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18
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Ford JD, Willox AC, Chatwood S, Furgal C, Harper S, Mauro I, Pearce T. Adapting to the effects of climate change on Inuit health. Am J Public Health 2014; 104 Suppl 3:e9-17. [PMID: 24754615 PMCID: PMC4035894 DOI: 10.2105/ajph.2013.301724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/29/2013] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Climate change will have far-reaching implications for Inuit health. Focusing on adaptation offers a proactive approach for managing climate-related health risks-one that views Inuit populations as active agents in planning and responding at household, community, and regional levels. Adaptation can direct attention to the root causes of climate vulnerability and emphasize the importance of traditional knowledge regarding environmental change and adaptive strategies. An evidence base on adaptation options and processes for Inuit regions is currently lacking, however, thus constraining climate policy development. In this article, we tackled this deficit, drawing upon our understanding of the determinants of health vulnerability to climate change in Canada to propose key considerations for adaptation decision-making in an Inuit context.
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Affiliation(s)
- James D Ford
- James D. Ford is with the Department of Geography, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec. Ashlee Cunsolo Willox is with the Department of Community Health, Cape Breton University, Sydney, Nova Scotia. Susan Chatwood is with the Institute for Circumpolar Health Research, Yellowknife, Northwest Territories. Christopher Furgal is with the Department of Indigenous Environmental Studies, Trent University, Peterborough, Ontario. Sherilee Harper is with the Department of Population Medicine, University of Guelph, Ontario. Ian Mauro is with the Department of Geography, University of Winnipeg, Manitoba. Tristan Pearce is with the University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydor, Queensland, Australia
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Nilsson LM, Destouni G, Berner J, Dudarev AA, Mulvad G, Odland JØ, Parkinson A, Tikhonov C, Rautio A, Evengård B. A call for urgent monitoring of food and water security based on relevant indicators for the Arctic. AMBIO 2013; 42:816-22. [PMID: 23918411 PMCID: PMC3790131 DOI: 10.1007/s13280-013-0427-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2013] [Revised: 06/20/2013] [Accepted: 06/26/2013] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
This perspective paper argues for an urgent need to monitor a set of 12 concrete, measurable indicators of food and water security in the Arctic over time. Such a quantitative indicator approach may be viewed as representing a reductionist rather than a holistic perspective, but is nevertheless necessary for actually knowing what reality aspects to monitor in order to accurately understand, quantify, and be able to project critical changes to food and water security of both indigenous and non-indigenous people in the Arctic. More relevant indicators may be developed in the future, taking us further toward reconciliation between reductionist and holistic approaches to change assessment and understanding. However, the potential of such further development to improved holistic change assessment is not an argument not to urgently start to monitor and quantify the changes in food and water security indicators that are immediately available and adequate for the Arctic context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lena Maria Nilsson
- Arctic Research Centre, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
- Nutritional Research, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Umeå University, 901 85 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Georgia Destouni
- Department of Physical Geography and Quaternary Geology and Bert Bolin Centre for Climate Research, Stockholm University, 106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - James Berner
- Division of Community Health, Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, Anchorage, AK USA
| | - Alexey A. Dudarev
- Hygiene Department, Northwest Public Health Research Center, 4, 2-Sovetskaya Street, 191036 St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Gert Mulvad
- Greenland Center for Health Research, University of Greenland, Postboks 1001, 3900 Nuuk, Greenland
| | - Jon Øyvind Odland
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Tromsø, 9019 Tromsö, Norway
| | - Alan Parkinson
- Arctic Investigations Program, US Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, Anchorage, AK 99516 USA
| | - Constantine Tikhonov
- Environmental Public Health Division, First Nations and Inuit Health Branch, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON Canada
| | - Arja Rautio
- Thule Institute, University of Oulu, P.O. Box 7300, Oulu, Finland
| | - Birgitta Evengård
- Arctic Research Centre, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Clinical Microbiology, Umeå University Hospital, 901 85 Umeå, Sweden
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Abstract
Indigenous circumpolar populations have experienced profound transitions in lifeways over the past half-century as a result of economic development. Although there have been positive aspects of this social transformation, most circumpolar groups today have a triple burden of disease, with a modestly elevated infectious disease level, an elevated and increasing burden of chronic conditions such as obesity and cardiovascular disease, and high rates of mental health–related challenges. The health of contemporary circumpolar populations is not easily characterized because of dramatic regional differences that stem from socioeconomic disparities among nonindigenous groups, individual population histories, lifestyle factors, environmental pollution, and underlying biological variation. Overall health and well-being range from excellent among the Sami of Sweden and Norway to extremely poor among marginalized native populations in northern Russia. Circumpolar groups today are not only threatened by continued regional economic development and pollution, but also uniquely vulnerable to global climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- J. Josh Snodgrass
- Department of Anthropology, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon 97403
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Driscoll DL, Dotterrer B, Brown RA. Assessing the social and physical determinants of circumpolar population health. Int J Circumpolar Health 2013; 72:21400. [PMID: 23986893 PMCID: PMC3754548 DOI: 10.3402/ijch.v72i0.21400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Systematic reviews of the social and physical determinants of health provide metrics for evaluation of programs to mitigate health disparities. Previous meta-analyses of the population health literature have identified several proximate social and physical determinants of population health in the circumpolar north including addiction, environmental exposures, diet/nutrition and global climate change. Proximate health determinants are most amenable to early detection and modification or mitigation through disease prevention or health promotion interventions. DESIGN There is a need for research to replicate these findings based on the latest science. This presentation describes a study applying Dahlgren and Whitehead's (1991) socio-ecological model of health determinants to identify the proximate social and physical determinants of health in the circumpolar north. METHODS The study consisted of a systematic review of recent studies that link determinants of health with the leading causes of mortality and morbidity in Alaska. Our search strategy employed a keyword search using the Circumpolar Health Bibliographic Database (CHBD) and 4 databases within the Web of Knowledge (WoK) data gateway. Keywords included various terms for the arctic, all relevant nations and territories within the region, as well as leading health outcomes. RESULTS Studies meeting the following inclusion criteria were reviewed: original research within a circumpolar population, published in English during 2011, and involving a rigorous demonstration of a link between a social determinant and selected health outcomes. CONCLUSIONS Study conclusions includes a list of determinants identified, their associated outcomes and the study designs implemented to assess that association.
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Affiliation(s)
- David L Driscoll
- Institute for Circumpolar Health Studies, University of Alaska, Anchorage, USA.
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