International Union for Circumpolar Health Ministry of Public Health and Social Development of RF Russian Academy of Medical Sciences Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Medical Sciences Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences Medical Polar Fund “Science” The Northern Forum

Abstracts

Environmental health

Objectives. Changes to Alaska Native health have been widely attributed to the adoption of store bought foods. However, many residents believe that toxic wastes from historical military and communications activities, have contaminated wild foods and caused health problems, especially cancer. This study will provide information that is scientifically valid, locally credible, and culturally relevant to residents of Northway Village, while developing an adaptive model of food systems assessment for communities with lingering questions about toxic waste.

Study Design. Specific aims are 1) a contaminants assessment, 2) a nutritional assessment, and 3) an evaluation of health and the potential relatedness of various health problems. By collecting detailed information about contaminant levels and nutritional values in Northway, we expect to substantiate the general assumption that the benefits of wild food outweigh the risks. We will, however, test hypotheses suggested in interviews with residents (places and animals that people suspect of contamination; as potentially related to health issues of concern).

Methods. We will collect qualitative data and document perceptions and general dietary patterns in interviews with residents. Biological sampling of select plants and animals will allow comparative contaminants and nutritional analysis. Community concerns will enable the development of a review of health records to evaluate the relationship of health patterns to exposure to contaminants via traditional foods. The project will be collaborative in design, implementation, interpretation, and reporting.

Results. Interviews with residents regarding harvest patterns, wild food use, and concerns have gone very well and participants are anxious for the study to go forward.

Conclusions. The contaminants assessment and nutritional information will enable general conclusions regarding the benefits and risks of important foods, and allow comparison between foods harvested near contaminated sites to those from further away. The health study, also driven by local concerns, will be a general study of disease perceptions and occurrence, and the potential role of contaminants in disease etiology.

Note. Abstracts are published in author's edition

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Last update: 06-Jul-2012 (11:52:05)