1.
Distribution of Hypertension and other traditional risk factors
through Arctic regions (Chateau-Degat ML)
2.
An analysis of anthropometric markers of metabolic disease in
adult Inuit (Galloway T)
3.
An analysis of socioeconomic and behavioural determinants of
growth and obesity among adult Inuit (Galloway T)
4.
An analysis of the extent to which the nutrition transition has
influenced obesity status among circumpolar Inuit (Galloway T)
5.
Perceived and actual body size among circumpolar Inuit
(Galloway T)
6.
Health benefits and risks of selenium in traditional inuit diet (Lemire
M)
Distribution of Hypertension and other
traditional risk factors through Arctic regions
Across the Arctic, during the last 60 years, Inuit populations
have undergone an accelerated social and dietary transition
towards a westernized lifestyle. Such disruption can lead to
concomitant cardio-metabolic disturbances. Hypertension
(HTN), one of the main determinants of cardiovascular disease
(CVD), is a useful indicator of CVD among adults. Recently,
studies of different Inuit subgroups suggest a high rate of CVD.
However, the lack of population-based data limits the
generalizability of results to Arctic populations. The purpose of
this study is to determine the prevalence of hypertension among
Inuit and explore its relationship with other key risk factors in
three circumpolar regions. ( Marie-Ludivine Chateau-Degat, PhD)
An analysis of anthropometric markers
of metabolic disease in adult Inuit
This paper will analyze the relationship between
anthropometric indices (including but not limited to
BMI) and biomarkers of metabolic risk such as
glucose, insulin and fatty acid profile. Similar
analyses have been conducted in each of the three
geographic regions, however there has not been a
comprehensive assessment of this issue in the Inuit
data set as a whole. I will approach the authors of
related Nunavik and Greenland research regarding
co-authorship. (Tracey Galloway, PhD)
An analysis of socioeconomic and
behavioural determinants of growth
and obesity among adult Inuit
Bjerregaard’s recent (2010) paper on this
topic provides a comprehensive look at
socioeconomic factors related to both
height and obesity. The present study will
undertake a similar analysis across all
three regions using a wide range of
variables including income, employment
status, marital status, self-reported health,
housing, smoking, alcohol, physical activity
and diet. (Tracey Galloway, PhD)
Perceived and actual body
size among circumpolar Inuit
This paper will examine data on
perceptions of body weight among Inuit
in Nunavik and Greenland, and their
relationship to body measures. Ideally,
additional interviews/focus groups will
be conducted to place this analysis in
the context of cultural models of body
size in the various circumpolar regions.
(Tracey Galloway, PhD)
An analysis of the extent to which the
nutrition transition has influenced
obesity status among circumpolar Inuit
This paper will construct a model of
“cultural competence” (terminology?) made
up of variables such as knowledge of Inuit
language
and
consumption
of
traditional/country foods. The study will
examine the relative prevalence of obesity
among Inuit who report knowledge/use of
Inuit language, large family networks of
support, spending time on the land, and
consuming traditional foods. (Tracey Galloway,
PhD)
Health benefits and risks of
selenium in traditional inuit diet
Selenium (Se) is an essential element involved in several body
functions, including protection against oxidative stress and redox
status balance. Insufficient Se intake (< 90µg/L in whole blood (B-Se))
has been associated to mortality, cardiovascular diseases, cancer,
cognitive decline, and deficient immune, reproductive and thyroid
functions. Conversely, hair and nail loss, skin lesions, garlic breath,
gastro-intestinal disorders, and motor and sensory abnormalities have
been attributed to excessive Se intake (> 1000µg/L in B-Se). In order
to better understand the role of Se in cardiovascular diseases and the
benefits from traditional foods of the circumpolar region (Nunavik,
Nunavut, Nunatsiavut, Greenland), the objectives of the present
project is to describe the spatial variation in Se status in the different
Inuit populations and to evaluate the associations between Se status,
food consumption patterns and socio-demographic data in different
regions;to evaluate the associations between Se status and diabetes
prevalence, lipid’s profile (total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, Apo-B) and
markers of oxidative stress (OxLDL, tec.) in the circumpolar region.(
Mélanie Lemire, PhD)