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Andersen-Ranberg E, Nymo IH, Jokelainen P, Emelyanova A, Jore S, Laird B, Davidson RK, Ostertag S, Bouchard E, Fagerholm F, Skinner K, Acquarone M, Tryland M, Dietz R, Abass K, Rautio A, Hammer S, Evengård B, Thierfelder T, Stimmelmayr R, Jenkins E, Sonne C. Environmental stressors and zoonoses in the Arctic: Learning from the past to prepare for the future. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 957:176869. [PMID: 39423885 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.176869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2024] [Revised: 10/06/2024] [Accepted: 10/09/2024] [Indexed: 10/21/2024]
Abstract
The risk of zoonotic disease transmission from animals to humans is elevated for people in close contact with domestic and wild animals. About three-quarters of all known human infectious diseases are zoonotic, and potential health impacts of these diseases are higher where infectious disease surveillance and access to health care and public health services are limited. This is especially the case for remote circumarctic regions, where drivers for endemic, emerging, and re-emerging zoonotic diseases include anthropogenic influences, such as pollution by long-range transport of industrial chemicals, climate change, loss of biodiversity and ecosystem alterations. In addition to these, indirect effects including natural changes in food web dynamics, appearance of invasive species and thawing permafrost also affect the risk of zoonotic disease spill-over. In other words, the Arctic represents a changing world where pollution, loss of biodiversity and habitat, and maritime activity are likely driving forward occurrence of infectious diseases. As a broad international consortium with a wide range of expertise, we here describe a selection of case studies highlighting the importance of a One Health approach to zoonoses in the circumarctic, encompassing human health, animal health, and environmental health aspects. The cases highlight critical gaps in monitoring and current knowledge, focusing on environmental stressors and lifestyle factors, and they are examples of current occurrences in the Arctic that inform on critically needed actions to prepare us for the future. Through these presentations, we recommend measures to enhance awareness and management of existing and emerging zoonoses with epidemic and pandemic potential while also focusing on the impacts of various environmental stressors and lifestyle factors on zoonoses in the Arctic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilie Andersen-Ranberg
- University of Copenhagen, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Dyrlægevej 16, 1870 Frederiksberg, Denmark.
| | - Ingebjørg H Nymo
- Norwegian Veterinary Institute, Holtveien 66, 9016 Tromsø, Norway; Department of Arctic and Marine Biology, UiT - The Arctic University of Norway, Framstredet 39, Breivika, 9019 Tromsø, Norway
| | - Pikka Jokelainen
- Infectious Disease Preparedness, Statens Serum Institut, Artillerivej 5, 2300 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anastasia Emelyanova
- Thule Institute, University of Oulu, Paavo Havaksen tie 3, 90570 Oulu, Finland; Research Unit of Biomedicine and Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oulu, Paavo Havaksen tie 3 Linnanmaa, 90014, Finland
| | - Solveig Jore
- Department of Zoonotic, Food & Waterborne Infections, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Postbox 222 Skøyen, 0213 Oslo, Norway
| | - Brian Laird
- School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, 200 University Ave W, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada
| | | | - Sonja Ostertag
- School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, 200 University Ave W, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Emilie Bouchard
- Ecotoxicology and Wildlife Health Division, Environment and Climate Change Canada, St Hyacinthe J2T 1B3, Canada; Department of Veterinary Microbiology, University of Saskatchewan, 52 Campus Drive, Saskatoon S7N 5B4, Canada
| | - Freja Fagerholm
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and the Arctic Center, Umeå University, Johan Bures Väg 5, 90187 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Kelly Skinner
- School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, 200 University Ave W, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Mario Acquarone
- Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Programme, Hjalmar Johansens gate 14, 9007 Tromsø, Norway
| | - Morten Tryland
- Department of Forestry and Wildlife Management, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, Anne Evenstads Veg 80, 2480 Koppang, Norway
| | - Rune Dietz
- Aarhus University, Faculty of Technological Sciences, Department of Ecoscience, Frederiksborgvej 399, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Khaled Abass
- Research Unit of Biomedicine and Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oulu, Paavo Havaksen tie 3 Linnanmaa, 90014, Finland; Department of Environmental Health Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, postbox 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Arja Rautio
- Thule Institute, University of Oulu, Paavo Havaksen tie 3, 90570 Oulu, Finland; Research Unit of Biomedicine and Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oulu, Paavo Havaksen tie 3 Linnanmaa, 90014, Finland
| | - Sjúrður Hammer
- Faroese Environment Agency, Traðagøta 38, 165 Argir, Faroe Islands; University of the Faroe Islands, Vestara Bryggja 15, 100 Tórshavn, Faroe Islands
| | - Birgitta Evengård
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and the Arctic Center, Umeå University, Johan Bures Väg 5, 90187 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Tomas Thierfelder
- Department of Energy and Technology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, postbox 75651, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Raphaela Stimmelmayr
- Department of Wildlife management, North Slope Borough, postbox 69, 99723 Utqiagvik, AK, USA
| | - Emily Jenkins
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, University of Saskatchewan, 52 Campus Drive, Saskatoon S7N 5B4, Canada
| | - Christian Sonne
- Aarhus University, Faculty of Technological Sciences, Department of Ecoscience, Frederiksborgvej 399, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark.
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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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Harmon OA, Howe TS, Schaeffer JD, Adeboyejo R, Eichelberger LP. Impact of In-Home Handwashing Stations on Hand Hygiene During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Unpiped Rural Alaska Native Homes. Public Health Rep 2024; 139:81S-88S. [PMID: 38801159 PMCID: PMC11339680 DOI: 10.1177/00333549241255260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES More than 3300 rural Alaska Native homes lack piped water, impeding hand hygiene. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention partnered with 10 Tribal communities and regional Tribal health organizations to install a low-cost, intermediate-technology water and sanitation system, the Miniature Portable Alternative Sanitation System (Mini-PASS). We assessed the impact of the Mini-PASS handwashing station on handwashing, other water-related uses, and problems encountered over time. METHODS In this pre-postintervention study, we conducted semi-structured interviews by telephone seasonally with representatives of 71 households with the Mini-PASS from February 2021 through November 2022 to assess the impact of the units on water use and health. RESULTS Before Mini-PASS installation, all participating households primarily used washbasins for handwashing. Postintervention, more than 70% of households reported using the Mini-PASS as their primary handwashing method in all 3 follow-up intervals (3, 6-9, and 12 months postintervention). The proportion of households using the handwashing station for other household tasks increased during 12 months, from 51.4% (19 of 37) at 3 months postintervention to 77.8% (21 of 27) at 12 months postintervention. Although approximately 20% to 40% of households reported problems with their handwashing station during the 12 months postintervention, a large proportion of interviewees (47% to 60%) said they were able to conduct repairs themselves. CONCLUSIONS Households in rural Alaska quickly adopted the Mini-PASS for hand hygiene and other needs and were largely able to troubleshoot problems themselves. Further research evaluating the impact of improved handwashing behaviors facilitated by the Mini-PASS should be conducted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia A Harmon
- Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, Anchorage, AK, USA
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Tricia S Howe
- Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, Anchorage, AK, USA
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Cassivi A, Carabin A, Dorea C, Rodriguez MJ, Guilherme S. Domestic access to water in a decentralized truck-to-cistern system: a case study in the Northern Village of Kangiqsualujjuaq, Nunavik (Canada). JOURNAL OF WATER AND HEALTH 2024; 22:797-810. [PMID: 38822460 DOI: 10.2166/wh.2024.246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024]
Abstract
Municipal water supply through truck-to-cistern systems is common in northern Canada. Household satisfaction and concerns about water services likely impact user preferences and practices. This case study explores household perspectives and challenges with regard to domestic access to water in a decentralized truck-to-cistern system. A case study was conducted in the Northern Village of Kangiqsualujjuaq, Nunavik (Quebec, Canada). A paper-based questionnaire was completed by 65 households (one quarter of the population). Many households (37%) reported not drinking tap water from the truck-to-cistern system. Chlorine taste was a frequently reported concern, with those households being significantly less likely to drink water directly from the tap (p = 0.002). Similarly, households that reported a water shortage in the previous week (i.e., no water from the tap at least once) (33%) were more likely to express dissatisfaction with delivered water quantity (rs = 0.395, p = 0.004). Interestingly, 77% of households preferred using alternative drinking water sources for drinking purposes, such as public tap at the water treatment plant, natural sources or bottled water. The study underscores the importance of considering household perspectives to mitigate the risks associated with service disruptions and the use of alternative sources for drinking purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Cassivi
- Chaire de recherche CRSNG en eau potable, École supérieure d'aménagement du territoire et de développement régional, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada E-mail:
| | - Anne Carabin
- Department of Civil Engineering, Engineering and Computer Science (ECS), University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - Caetano Dorea
- Department of Civil Engineering, Engineering and Computer Science (ECS), University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - Manuel J Rodriguez
- Chaire de recherche CRSNG en eau potable, École supérieure d'aménagement du territoire et de développement régional, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Stéphanie Guilherme
- Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
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Cassivi A, Covey A, Rodriguez MJ, Guilherme S. Domestic water security in the Arctic: A scoping review. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2023; 247:114060. [PMID: 36413873 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2022.114060] [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: 08/08/2022] [Revised: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION More than 50 million people living in the Arctic nations remain without access to safely managed drinking water services. Remote northern communities, where large numbers of Indigenous peoples live, are disproportionally affected. Recent research has documented water and health-related problems among Indigenous communities, including poor water quality and insufficient quantities of water. OBJECTIVE The objective of this scoping review is to examine the extent of available water security evidence as well as identify research gaps and intervention priorities to improve access to domestic water in the Arctic and Subarctic regions of the eight Arctic nations (Canada, the Kingdom of Denmark (Greenland), Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Russia, and the United States (Alaska)). METHODS An extensive literature review was conducted to retrieve relevant documentation. Arctic & Antarctic Regions, Compendex, Geobase, Georef, MEDLINE and Web of Science databases were searched to identify records for inclusion. The initial searches yielded a total of 1356 records. Two independent reviewers systematically screened identified records using selection criteria. Descriptive analyses were used to summarize evidence of included studies. RESULTS A total of 55 studies, mostly conducted in Canada and the United States, were included and classified by four predetermined major dimensions: 1) Water accessibility and availability; 2) Water quality assessment; 3) Water supply and health; 4) Preferences and risk perceptions. CONCLUSIONS This scoping review used a global approach to provide researchers and stakeholders with a summary of the evidence available regarding water security and domestic access in the Arctic. Culturally appropriate health-based interventions are necessary to ensure inclusive water services and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) targets for universal access to water.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Cassivi
- Chaire de recherche en eau potable, École supérieure d'aménagement du territoire et de développement régional, Pavillon Félix-Antoine-Savard, 2325 rue des Bibliothèques, Universitè Laval, Quèbec (QC), Canada.
| | - Anna Covey
- Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Colonel By Hall, 161 Louis Pasteur, University of Ottawa, Ottawa (ON), Canada
| | - Manuel J Rodriguez
- Chaire de recherche en eau potable, École supérieure d'aménagement du territoire et de développement régional, Pavillon Félix-Antoine-Savard, 2325 rue des Bibliothèques, Universitè Laval, Quèbec (QC), Canada
| | - Stéphanie Guilherme
- Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Colonel By Hall, 161 Louis Pasteur, University of Ottawa, Ottawa (ON), Canada
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Hicks KL, Robler SK, Platt A, Morton SN, Egger JR, Emmett SD. Environmental Factors for Hearing Loss and Middle Ear Disease in Alaska Native Children and Adolescents: A Cross-Sectional Analysis from a Cluster Randomized Trial. Ear Hear 2023; 44:2-9. [PMID: 35998103 PMCID: PMC9780156 DOI: 10.1097/aud.0000000000001265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Infection-related childhood hearing loss is one of the few preventable chronic health conditions that can affect a child's lifelong trajectory. This study sought to quantify relationships between infection-mediated hearing loss and middle ear disease and environmental factors, such as exposure to wood smoke, cigarette smoke, household crowding, and lack of access to plumbed (running) water, in a northwest region of rural Alaska. DESIGN This study is a cross-sectional analysis to estimate environmental factors of infection-related hearing loss in children aged 3 to 21 years. School hearing screenings were performed as part of two cluster randomized trials in rural Alaska over two academic years (2017-2018 and 2018-2019). The first available screening for each child was used for this analysis. Sociodemographic questionnaires were completed by parents/guardians upon entry into the study. Multivariable regression was performed to estimate prevalence differences and prevalence ratios (PR). A priori knowledge about the prevalence of middle ear disease and the difficulty inherent in obtaining objective hearing loss data in younger children led to analysis of children by age (3 to 6 years versus 7 years and older) and a separate multiple imputation sensitivity analysis for pure-tone average (PTA)-based infection-related hearing loss measures. RESULTS A total of 1634 children participated. Hearing loss was present in 11.1% of children sampled based on otoacoustic emission as the primary indicator of hearing loss and was not associated with exposure to cigarette smoke (PR = 1.07; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.48 to 2.38), use of a wood-burning stove (PR = 0.85; 95% CI, 0.55 to 1.32), number of persons living in the household (PR = 1.06; 95% CI, 0.97 to 1.16), or lack of access to running water (PR = 1.38; 95% CI, 0.80 to 2.39). Using PTA as a secondary indicator of hearing loss also showed no association with environmental factors. Middle ear disease was present in 17.4% of children. There was a higher prevalence of middle ear disease in homes without running water versus those with access to running water (PR = 1.53; 95% CI, 1.03 to 2.27). There was little evidence to support any cumulative effects of environmental factors. Heterogeneity of effect models by age found sample prevalence of hearing loss higher for children aged 3 to 6 years (12.2%; 95% CI, 9.3 to 15.7) compared to children 7 years and older (10.6%; 95% CI, 8.9 to 2.6), as well as for sample prevalence of middle ear disease (22.7%; 95% CI, 18.9 to 26.9 and 15.3%; 95% CI, 13.3 to 17.5, respectively). CONCLUSIONS Lack of access to running water in the home was associated with increased prevalence of middle ear disease in this rural, Alaska Native population, particularly among younger children (aged 3 to 6 years). There was little evidence in this study that cigarette smoke, wood-burning stoves, and greater numbers of persons in the household were associated with infection-mediated hearing loss or middle ear disease. Future research with larger sample sizes and more sensitive measures of environmental exposure is necessary to further evaluate these relationships. Children who live in homes without access to running water may benefit from earlier and more frequent hearing health visits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelli L. Hicks
- University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill, Department of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Samantha Kleindienst Robler
- Department of Audiology, Norton Sound Health Corporation, Nome, AK
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR
| | - Alyssa Platt
- Department of Biostatistics & Bioinformatics, Duke University, Durham, NC
- Duke Global Health Institute, Durham, NC
| | - Sarah N. Morton
- Department of Biostatistics & Bioinformatics, Duke University, Durham, NC
- Duke Global Health Institute, Durham, NC
| | | | - Susan D. Emmett
- Duke Global Health Institute, Durham, NC
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery and Communication Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC
- Center for Health Policy and Inequalities Research, Duke University, Durham, NC
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Maréchal JYA, Hendriksen K, Hansen LT, Gundelund C, Jensen PE. Domestic water supply in rural Greenland – sufficiency, affordability and accessibility. Int J Circumpolar Health 2022; 81:2138095. [DOI: 10.1080/22423982.2022.2138095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Judith Y. A. Maréchal
- Arctic DTU Sisimiut Ilinniarfeqarfik Sisimiut, DTU Sustain, Technical University of Denmark, Greenland, Sisimiut
| | - Kåre Hendriksen
- Department of Planning, Aalborg University Copenhagen, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | | | - Casper Gundelund
- Section of Freshwater Fisheries and Ecology, Technical University of Denmark, DTU Aqua, Silkeborg, Denmark
| | - Pernille Erland Jensen
- Arctic DTU Sisimiut Ilinniarfeqarfik Sisimiut, DTU Sustain, Technical University of Denmark, Greenland, Sisimiut
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Sohns A, Ford JD, Adamowski J, Robinson BE. Participatory Modeling of Water Vulnerability in Remote Alaskan Households Using Causal Loop Diagrams. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2021; 67:26-42. [PMID: 33165646 DOI: 10.1007/s00267-020-01387-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Despite perceptions of high water availability, adequate access to sufficient water resources remains a major challenge in Alaska. This paper uses a participatory modeling approach to investigate household water vulnerability in remote Alaska and to examine factors that affect water availability and water access. Specifically, the work asks: how do water policy stakeholders conceptualize the key processes that affect household water vulnerability in the context of rural Alaska? Fourteen water policy stakeholders participated in the modeling process, which included defining the problem of household water vulnerability and constructing individual causal loop diagrams (CLDs) that represent their conceptualization of household water vulnerability. Individual CLDs were subsequently combined and five sub-models emerged: environmental, economic, infrastructure, social, and health. The environmental and economic sub-models of the CLD are explored in depth. In the environmental sub-model, climate change and environmental barriers due to geography influence household water vulnerability. In the economic sub-model, four processes and one feedback loop affect household water vulnerability, including operations and maintenance funding, the strength of the rural Alaskan economy, and the impact of regulations. To overcome household water vulnerability and make households more resilient, stakeholders highlighted policy solutions under five themes: economics, social, regulatory, technological, and environmental.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonia Sohns
- Department of Geography, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.
| | - James D Ford
- Priestley International Centre for Climate, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Jan Adamowski
- Department of Bioresource Engineering, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Brian E Robinson
- Department of Geography, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
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Capturing a Complexity of Nutritional, Environmental, and Economic Impacts on Selected Health Parameters in the Russian High North. SUSTAINABILITY 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/su12052151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The rapid pace of economic exploration of the Arctic against the backdrop of progressing environmental change put a high priority on improving understanding of health impacts in the northern communities. Deficiencies in the capability to capture the complexity of health-influencing parameters along with a lack of observations in circumpolar territories present major challenges to establishing credible projections of disease incidence across varying northern environments. It is thus crucial to reveal the relative contributions of coacting factors to provide a basis for sustainable solutions in the sphere of public health. In order to better understand the adverse effects associated with public health, this study employed six-stage multiple regression analysis of incidence rates of fourteen diseases (International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11) codes most widespread in the Russian Arctic) against a set of environmental, nutritional, and economic variables. Variance inflationary factor and best-subsets regression methods were used to eliminate collinearity between the parameters of regression models. To address the diversity of health impacts across northern environments, territories of the Arctic zone of Russia were categorized as (1) industrial sites, (2) urban agglomerations, (3) rural inland, and (4) coastline territories. It was suggested that, in Type 1 territories, public health parameters were most negatively affected by air and water pollution, in Type 2 territories—by low-nutrient diets, in Type 3 and Type 4 territories—by economic factors. It was found that in the Western parts of the Russian Arctic, poor quality of running water along with low access to the quality-assured sources of water might increase the exposure to infectious and parasitic diseases and diseases of the circulatory, respiratory, and genitourinary systems. Low living standards across the Russian Arctic challenged the economic accessibility of adequate diets. In the cities, the nutritional transition to low-quality cheap market food correlated with a higher incidence of digestive system disorders, immune diseases, and neoplasms. In indigenous communities, the prevalence of low diversified diets based on traditional food correlated with the increase in the incidence rates of nutritional and metabolic diseases.
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Mitchell F. Water (in)security and American Indian health: social and environmental justice implications for policy, practice, and research. Public Health 2019; 176:98-105. [DOI: 10.1016/j.puhe.2018.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2018] [Revised: 09/12/2018] [Accepted: 10/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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Daley K, Jamieson R, Rainham D, Truelstrup Hansen L, Harper SL. Screening-level microbial risk assessment of acute gastrointestinal illness attributable to wastewater treatment systems in Nunavut, Canada. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 657:1253-1264. [PMID: 30677892 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.11.408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2018] [Revised: 11/02/2018] [Accepted: 11/27/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Most arctic communities use primary wastewater treatment systems that are capable of only low levels of pathogen removal. Effluent potentially containing fecally derived microorganisms is released into wetlands and marine waters that may simultaneously serve as recreation or food harvesting locations for local populations. The purpose of this study is to provide the first estimates of acute gastrointestinal illness (AGI) attributable to wastewater treatment systems in Arctic Canada. A screening-level, point estimate quantitative microbial risk assessment model was developed to evaluate worst-case scenarios across an array of exposure pathways in five case study locations. A high annual AGI incidence rate of 5.0 cases per person is estimated in Pangnirtung, where a mechanical treatment plant discharges directly to marine waters, with all cases occurring during low tide conditions. The probability of AGI per person per single exposure during this period ranges between 1.0 × 10-1 (shore recreation) and 6.0 × 10-1 (shellfish consumption). A moderate incidence rate of 1.2 episodes of AGI per person is estimated in Naujaat, where a treatment system consisting of a pond and tundra wetland is used, with the majority of cases occurring during spring. The pathway with the highest individual probability of AGI per single exposure event is wetland travel at 6.0 × 10-1. All other risk probabilities per single exposure are <1.0 × 10-1. The AGI incidence rates estimated for the other three case study locations are <0.1. These findings suggest that wastewater treatment sites may be contributing to elevated rates of AGI in some arctic Canadian communities. Absolute risk values, however, should be weighed with caution based on the exploratory nature of this study design. These results can be used to inform future risk assessment and epidemiological research as well as support public health and sanitation decisions in the region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiley Daley
- Centre for Water Resources Studies, Dalhousie University, 1360 Barrington Street, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H 4R2, Canada.
| | - Rob Jamieson
- Centre for Water Resources Studies, Dalhousie University, 1360 Barrington Street, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H 4R2, Canada.
| | - Daniel Rainham
- Healthy Populations Institute, Dalhousie University, 1318 Robie Street, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H 4R2, Canada.
| | | | - Sherilee L Harper
- School of Public Health, University of Alberta, 11405 87th Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 1C9, Canada.
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Bressler JM, Hennessy TW. Results of an Arctic Council survey on water and sanitation services in the Arctic. Int J Circumpolar Health 2019; 77:1421368. [PMID: 29383987 PMCID: PMC5795745 DOI: 10.1080/22423982.2017.1421368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
As part of a project endorsed by the Arctic Council’s Sustainable Development Working Group (SDWG), a survey was conducted to describe the current status of water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) services in the Arctic region. The English language internet-based survey was open from April to September, 2016 and drew 142 respondents from seven Arctic nations. Respondents provided information on access to WASH services, notification requirements for water-related infectious diseases, and examples of environmental- or climate-change related events that impact the provision of WASH services. Many remote Arctic and sub-Arctic residents lack WASH services, and these disparities are often not reflected in national summary data. Environmental changes impacting WASH services were reported by respondents in every Arctic nation. Participants at an international conference co-sponsored by SDWG reviewed these results and provided suggestions for next steps to improve health of Arctic residents through improved access to water and sanitation services. Suggestions included ongoing reporting on WASH service availability in underserved populations to measure progress towards UN Sustainable Development Goal #6; evaluations of the health and economic consequences of disparities in WASH services; and Arctic-specific forums to share innovations in WASH technology, improved management and operations, and adaptation strategies for environmental or climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan M Bressler
- a Alaska Division of Public Health , Section of Epidemiology , Anchorage , AK , USA.,b Applied Epidemiology Fellowship , Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists , Atlanta , GA , USA
| | - Thomas W Hennessy
- c Arctic Investigations Program , National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, CDC , Anchorage , AK , USA.,d Arctic Human Health Experts Group , Sustainable Development Working Group , Arctic Council , Ottawa , Canada
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Emmett SD, Robler SK, Wang NY, Labrique A, Gallo JJ, Hofstetter P. Hearing Norton Sound: a community randomised trial protocol to address childhood hearing loss in rural Alaska. BMJ Open 2019; 9:e023078. [PMID: 30782695 PMCID: PMC6340015 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2018-023078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2018] [Revised: 07/26/2018] [Accepted: 09/28/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The population in rural Alaska experiences a disproprionately high burden of infection-mediated hearing loss. While the state mandates school hearing screening, many children with hearing loss are not identified or are lost to follow-up before ever receiving treatment. A robust, tribally owned healthcare system exists in Alaska, but children with hearing loss must first be identified and referred for existing infrastructure to be used. This trial will evaluate a new school hearing screening and referral process in rural Alaska, with the goal of improving timely identification and treatment of childhood hearing loss. METHODS AND ANALYSIS Comparative effectiveness community randomised trial testing digital innovations to improve school hearing screening and referral in 15 communities in the Norton Sound region of northwest Alaska, with data collection from October 2017 to February 2020. All children (K-12) attending school in Bering Strait School District with parental informed consent and child assent will be eligible (target recruitment n=1500). Participating children will undergo both the current school hearing screen and new mobile health (mHealth) screen, with screening test validity evaluated against an audiometric assessment. Communities will be cluster randomised to continue the current primary care referral process or receive telemedicine referral for follow-up diagnosis and treatment. The primary outcome will be time to International Statistical Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision, ear/hearing diagnosis from screening date, measured in days. Secondary outcomes will include: sensitivity and specificity of current school and mHealth screening protocols measured against a benchmark audiometric assessment (air and bone conduction audiometry, tympanometry and digital otoscopy); hearing loss prevalence; hearing-related quality of life; and school performance (AIMSweb). Intention-to-treat analysis will be used. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION This study has been approved by the Institutional Review Boards of Alaska Area, Norton Sound and Duke University and is registered on clinicaltrials.gov. Results will be distributed with equal emphasis on scientific and community dissemination. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT03309553; Pre-results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan D Emmett
- Department of Surgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Duke Global Health Institute, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | | | - Nae-Yuh Wang
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Departments of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Alain Labrique
- Departments of International Health and Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Joseph J Gallo
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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Daley K, Jamieson R, Rainham D, Truelstrup Hansen L. Wastewater treatment and public health in Nunavut: a microbial risk assessment framework for the Canadian Arctic. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2018; 25:32860-32872. [PMID: 28224339 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-017-8566-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2016] [Accepted: 02/02/2017] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Wastewater management in Canadian Arctic communities is influenced by several geographical factors including climate, remoteness, population size, and local food-harvesting practices. Most communities use trucked collection services and basic treatment systems, which are capable of only low-level pathogen removal. These systems are typically reliant solely on natural environmental processes for treatment and make use of existing lagoons, wetlands, and bays. They are operated in a manner such that partially treated wastewater still containing potentially hazardous microorganisms is released into the terrestrial and aquatic environment at random times. Northern communities rely heavily on their local surroundings as a source of food, drinking water, and recreation, thus creating the possibility of human exposure to wastewater effluent. Human exposure to microbial hazards present in municipal wastewater can lead to acute gastrointestinal illness or more severe disease. Although estimating the actual disease burdens associated with wastewater exposures in Arctic communities is challenging, waterborne- and sanitation-related illness is believed to be comparatively higher than in other parts of Canada. This review offers a conceptual framework and evaluation of current knowledge to enable the first microbial risk assessment of exposure scenarios associated with food-harvesting and recreational activities in Arctic communities, where simplified wastewater systems are being operated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiley Daley
- Centre for Water Resources Studies, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada.
| | - Rob Jamieson
- Department of Process Engineering and Applied Science, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Daniel Rainham
- Environmental Science Program, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
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Jensen PE, Hennessy TW, Kallenborn R. Water, sanitation, pollution, and health in the Arctic. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2018; 25:32827-32830. [PMID: 30362032 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-018-3388-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2018] [Accepted: 10/01/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Pernille Erland Jensen
- Arctic technology Centre, Department of Civil Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark.
| | - Thomas W Hennessy
- Arctic Investigations Program, Division of Preparedness and Emerging Infections, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Anchorage, Alaska, USA
| | - Roland Kallenborn
- Faculty of Chemistry, Biotechnology and Food Science, Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU), Ås, Norway
- University Center in Svalbard (UNIS), Arctic Technology, P.O. Box 156, NO 9171, Longyearbyen, Svalbard, Norway
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Shoults DC, Ashbolt NJ. Total staphylococci as performance surrogate for greywater treatment. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2018; 25:32894-32900. [PMID: 28462431 PMCID: PMC6245020 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-017-9050-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2016] [Accepted: 04/18/2017] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Faecal indicator bacteria (FIB) are commonly used as water quality indicators; implying faecal contamination and therefore the potential presence of pathogenic enteric bacteria, viruses, and protozoa. Hence in wastewater treatment, the most commonly used treatment process measures (surrogates) are total coliforms, faecal coliforms, Escherichia coli (E. coli), and enterococci. However, greywater potentially contains skin pathogens unrelated to faecal load, and E. coli and other FIB may grow within greywater unrelated to pathogens. Overall, FIB occurs at fluctuating and relatively low concentrations compared to other endogenous greywater bacteria affecting their ability as surrogates for pathogen reduction. Therefore, unlike municipal sewage, FIB provides a very limited and unreliable log-reduction surrogate measure for on-site greywater treatment systems. Based on our recent metagenomic study of laundry greywater, skin-associated bacteria such as Staphylococcus, Corynebacterium, and Propionibacterium spp. dominate and may result in more consistent treatment surrogates than traditional FIB. Here, we investigated various Staphylococcus spp. as potential surrogates to reliably assay over 4-log10 reduction by the final-stage UV disinfection step commonly used for on-site greywater reuse, and compare them to various FIB/phage surrogates. A collimated UV beam was used to determine the efficacy of UV inactivation (255, 265 and 285 nm) against E. coli, Enterococcus faecalis, E. faecium, E. casseliflavus, Staphylococcus aureus, and S. epidermidis. Staphylococcus spp. was estimated by combining the bi-linear dose-response curves for S. aureus and S. epidermidis and was shown to be less resistant to UV irradiation than the other surrogates examined. Hence, a relative inactivation credit is suggested; whereas, the doses required to achieve a 4 and 5-log10 reduction of Staphylococcus spp. (13.0 and 20.9 mJ cm-2, respectively) were used to determine the relative inactivation of the other microorganisms investigated. The doses required to achieve a 4 and 5-log10 reduction of Staphylococcus spp. resulted in a log10 reduction of 1.4 and 4.1 for E. coli, 0.8 and 2.8 for E. faecalis, 0.8 and 3.6 for E. casseliflavus and 0.8 and 1.2 for MS2 coliphage, respectively. Given the concentration difference of Staphylococcus spp. and FIB (3 to 5-log10 higher), we propose the use of Staphylococcus spp. as a novel endogenous performance surrogate to demonstrate greywater treatment performance given its relatively high and consistent concentration and therefore ability to demonstrate over 5-log10 reductions.
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Affiliation(s)
- David C Shoults
- School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Room 3-57, South Academic Building, Edmonton, AB, T6E 2G7, Canada.
| | - Nicholas J Ashbolt
- School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Room 3-57, South Academic Building, Edmonton, AB, T6E 2G7, Canada
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Eichelberger L. Household water insecurity and its cultural dimensions: preliminary results from Newtok, Alaska. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2018; 25:32938-32951. [PMID: 28634806 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-017-9432-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2017] [Accepted: 06/01/2017] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
Using a relational approach, I examine several cultural dimensions involved in household water access and use in Newtok, Alaska. I describe the patterns that emerge around domestic water access and use, as well as the subjective lived experiences of water insecurity including risk perceptions, and the daily work and hydro-social relationships involved in accessing water from various sources. I found that Newtok residents haul water in limited amounts from a multitude of sources, both treated and untreated, throughout the year. Household water access is tied to hydro-social relationships predicated on sharing and reciprocity, particularly when the primary treated water access point is unavailable. Older boys and young men are primarily responsible for hauling water, and this role appears to be important to male Yupik identity. Many interviewees described preferring to drink untreated water, a practice that appears related to cultural constructions of natural water sources as pure and self-purifying, as well as concerns about the safety of treated water. Concerns related to the health consequences of low water access appear to differ by gender and age, with women and elders expressing greater concern than men. These preliminary results point to the importance of understanding the cultural dimensions involved in household water access and use. I argue that institutional responses to water insecurity need to incorporate such cultural dimensions into solutions aimed at increasing household access to and use of water.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Eichelberger
- Department of Anthropology, University of Texas at San Antonio, College of Liberal and Fine Arts, One UTSA Circle, San Antonio, TX, 78249-1644, USA.
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Wright CJ, Sargeant JM, Edge VL, Ford JD, Farahbakhsh K, Shiwak I, Flowers C, Harper SL. Water quality and health in northern Canada: stored drinking water and acute gastrointestinal illness in Labrador Inuit. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2018; 25:32975-32987. [PMID: 28702908 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-017-9695-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2017] [Accepted: 06/09/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
One of the highest self-reported incidence rates of acute gastrointestinal illness (AGI) in the global peer-reviewed literature occurs in Inuit communities in the Canadian Arctic. This high incidence of illness could be due, in part, to the consumption of contaminated water, as many northern communities face challenges related to the quality of municipal drinking water. Furthermore, many Inuit store drinking water in containers in the home, which could increase the risk of contamination between source and point-of-use (i.e., water recontamination during storage). To examine this risk, this research characterized drinking water collection and storage practices, identified potential risk factors for water contamination between source and point-of-use, and examined possible associations between drinking water contamination and self-reported AGI in the Inuit community of Rigolet, Canada. The study included a cross-sectional census survey that captured data on types of drinking water used, household practices related to drinking water (e.g., how it was collected and stored), physical characteristics of water storage containers, and self-reported AGI. Additionally, water samples were collected from all identified drinking water containers in homes and analyzed for presence of Escherichia coli and total coliforms. Despite municipally treated tap water being available in all homes, 77.6% of households had alternative sources of drinking water stored in containers, and of these containers, 25.2% tested positive for total coliforms. The use of transfer devices and water dippers (i.e., smaller bowls or measuring cups) for the collection and retrieval of water from containers were both significantly associated with increased odds of total coliform presence in stored water (ORtransfer device = 3.4, 95% CI 1.2-11.7; ORdipper = 13.4, 95% CI 3.8-47.1). Twenty-eight-day period prevalence of self-reported AGI during the month before the survey was 17.2% (95% CI 13.0-22.5), which yielded an annual incidence rate of 2.4 cases per person per year (95% CI 1.8-3.1); no water-related risk factors were significantly associated with AGI. Considering the high prevalence of, and risk factors associated with, indicator bacteria in drinking water stored in containers, potential exposure to waterborne pathogens may be minimized through interventions at the household level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlee J Wright
- Department of Population Medicine, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road East, Guelph, Ontario, N1G 2W1, Canada.
| | - Jan M Sargeant
- Department of Population Medicine, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road East, Guelph, Ontario, N1G 2W1, Canada
- Centre for Public Health and Zoonoses, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road East, Guelph, Ontario, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Victoria L Edge
- Public Health Agency of Canada, 160 Research Lane, Guelph, Ontario, N1G 5B2, Canada
- Indigenous Health Adaptation to Climate Change, Montréal, Canada
| | - James D Ford
- Indigenous Health Adaptation to Climate Change, Montréal, Canada
- Priestly International Centre for Climate, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK
- Department of Geography, McGill University, 845 Rue Sherbrooke Ouest, Montréal, Québec, H3A 0G4, Canada
| | - Khosrow Farahbakhsh
- School of Engineering, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road East, Guelph, Ontario, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Inez Shiwak
- Rigolet Inuit Community Government, Rigolet, Labrador, A0P 1P0, Canada
| | - Charlie Flowers
- Rigolet Inuit Community Government, Rigolet, Labrador, A0P 1P0, Canada
| | - Sherilee L Harper
- Department of Population Medicine, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road East, Guelph, Ontario, N1G 2W1, Canada.
- Indigenous Health Adaptation to Climate Change, Montréal, Canada.
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Teye-Kau M, Tenkorang EY, Adjei PB. Revisiting the Housing-Health Relationship for HIV-Positive Persons: Qualitative Evidence From the Lower Manya Krobo District, Ghana. QUALITATIVE HEALTH RESEARCH 2018; 28:1217-1228. [PMID: 29598769 DOI: 10.1177/1049732318764646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The relationship between housing and HIV infection is complex. On one hand, poor housing arrangements may affect the health of persons living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHAs). On the other hand, PLWHAs may be more likely to live in substandard homes because of their health. We used qualitative in-depth individual interviews of 38 PLWHAs attending voluntary counseling services at two government hospitals in the Lower Manya Krobo District (LMKD) in the Eastern region of Ghana to examine their housing and health outcomes. Results show that the majority of PLWHAs lived in homes that lacked basic amenities, were overcrowded, had structural deficiencies, and were noisy and dirty. They suffered from poor housing conditions mainly because of their HIV serostatus, as this affected their ability to finance adequate homes, while HIV-related stigmatization led to eviction from either family homes or rented facilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mabel Teye-Kau
- 1 Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
| | - Eric Y Tenkorang
- 1 Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
| | - Paul B Adjei
- 1 Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
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"Straight from the heavens into your bucket": domestic rainwater harvesting as a measure to improve water security in a subarctic indigenous community. Int J Circumpolar Health 2018; 76:1312223. [PMID: 28422581 PMCID: PMC5405442 DOI: 10.1080/22423982.2017.1312223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Black Tickle-Domino is an extremely water-insecure remote Inuit community in the Canadian subarctic that lacks piped-water. Drinking water consumption in the community is less than a third of the Canadian national average. Water insecurity in the community contributes to adverse health, economic, and social effects and requires urgent action. Objectives: To test the ability of domestic rainwater harvesting (DRWH) for the first time in the subarctic with the goal of improving water access and use in the community. Design: This project utilised quantitative weekly reporting of water collection and use, as well as focus group discussions. DRWH units were installed at seven water-insecure households chosen by the local government. Results were measured over a 6-week period in 2016. Results: Participants harvested 19.07 gallons of rainwater per week. General purpose water consumption increased by 17% and water retrieval efforts declined by 40.92%. Households saved $12.70 CDN per week. Participants reported perceived improvements to psychological health. Because no potable water was collected, drinking water consumption did not increase. The study identified additional water-insecurity impacts. Conclusion: DRWH cannot supply drinking water without proper treatment and filtration; however, it can be a partial remedy to water insecurity in the subarctic. DRWH is appropriately scaled, inexpensive, and participants identified several significant benefits.
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Dudarev AA. Public Health Practice Report: water supply and sanitation in Chukotka and Yakutia, Russian Arctic. Int J Circumpolar Health 2018; 77:1423826. [PMID: 29384013 PMCID: PMC5795656 DOI: 10.1080/22423982.2018.1423826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Information from 2013–2015 have been analysed on water accessibility, types of water service to households, use of water pretreatment, availability of sewerage, use of sewage treatment in Chukotka Autonomous Okrug and Yakutia Republic, based on evaluation information accessible in open sources, such as regional statistics and sanitary-epidemiologic reports. The main causes of the poor state of water supply and sanitation in the study regions include: very limited access to in-home running water (one-quarter of settlements in Chukotka and half of settlements in Yakutia have no regular water supply) and lack of centralised sewerage (78% and 94% of settlements correspondingly have no sewerage); lack of water pretreatment and sewage treatment, outdated technologies and systems; serious deterioration of facilities and networks, frequent accidents; secondary pollution of drinking water. Lack of open objective information on Russian Arctic water supply and sanitation in the materials of the regional and federal statistics hampers the assessment of the real state of affairs. The situation for water and sanitation supply in these Russian Arctic regions remains steadily unfavourable. A comprehensive intervention from national and regional governmental levels is urgently needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexey A Dudarev
- a Hygiene Department , Northwest Public Health Research Center , St-Petersburg , Russia
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Bradford LEA, Okpalauwaekwe U, Waldner CL, Bharadwaj LA. Drinking water quality in Indigenous communities in Canada and health outcomes: a scoping review. Int J Circumpolar Health 2016; 75:32336. [PMID: 27478143 PMCID: PMC4967713 DOI: 10.3402/ijch.v75.32336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2016] [Revised: 06/30/2016] [Accepted: 07/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many Indigenous communities in Canada live with high-risk drinking water systems and drinking water advisories and experience health status and water quality below that of the general population. A scoping review of research examining drinking water quality and its relationship to Indigenous health was conducted. OBJECTIVE The study was undertaken to identify the extent of the literature, summarize current reports and identify research needs. DESIGN A scoping review was designed to identify peer-reviewed literature that examined challenges related to drinking water and health in Indigenous communities in Canada. Key search terms were developed and mapped on five bibliographic databases (MEDLINE/PubMED, Web of Knowledge, SciVerse Scopus, Taylor and Francis online journal and Google Scholar). Online searches for grey literature using relevant government websites were completed. RESULTS Sixteen articles (of 518; 156 bibliographic search engines, 362 grey literature) met criteria for inclusion (contained keywords; publication year 2000-2015; peer-reviewed and from Canada). Studies were quantitative (8), qualitative (5) or mixed (3) and included case, cohort, cross-sectional and participatory designs. In most articles, no definition of "health" was given (14/16), and the primary health issue described was gastrointestinal illness (12/16). Challenges to the study of health and well-being with respect to drinking water in Indigenous communities included irregular funding, remote locations, ethical approval processes, small sample sizes and missing data. CONCLUSIONS Research on drinking water and health outcomes in Indigenous communities in Canada is limited and occurs on an opportunistic basis. There is a need for more research funding, and inquiry to inform policy decisions for improvements of water quality and health-related outcomes in Indigenous communities. A coordinated network looking at First Nations water and health outcomes, a database to store and create access to research findings, increased funding and time frames for funding, and more decolonizing and community-based participatory research aimed at understanding the relationship between drinking water quality and health outcomes in First Nations communities in Canada are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lori E A Bradford
- School of Public Health, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | | | - Cheryl L Waldner
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Lalita A Bharadwaj
- School of Public Health, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada;
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