Title
Climate-sensitive health priorities in Nunatsiavut, Canada
Date Issued
02 July 2015
Access level
open access
Resource Type
journal article
Author(s)
Harper S.L.
Edge V.L.
Ford J.
Willox A.C.
Wood M.
McEwen S.A.
Berrang-Ford L.
Lwasa S.
Namanya D.B.
Montreal, Canadá
Montreal, Canada
Publisher(s)
BioMed Central Ltd.
Abstract
Background: This exploratory study used participatory methods to identify, characterize, and rank climate-sensitive health priorities in Nunatsiavut, Labrador, Canada. Methods: A mixed method study design was used and involved collecting both qualitative and quantitative data at regional, community, and individual levels. In-depth interviews with regional health representatives were conducted throughout Nunatsiavut (n=11). In addition, three PhotoVoice workshops were held with Rigolet community members (n=11), where participants took photos of areas, items, or concepts that expressed how climate change is impacting their health. The workshop groups shared their photographs, discussed the stories and messages behind them, and then grouped photos into re-occurring themes. Two community surveys were administered in Rigolet to capture data on observed climatic and environmental changes in the area, and perceived impacts on health, wellbeing, and lifestyles (n=187). Results: Climate-sensitive health pathways were described in terms of inter-relationships between environmental and social determinants of Inuit health. The climate-sensitive health priorities for the region included food security, water security, mental health and wellbeing, new hazards and safety concerns, and health services and delivery. Conclusions: The results highlight several climate-sensitive health priorities that are specific to the Nunatsiavut region, and suggest approaching health research and adaptation planning from an EcoHealth perspective.
Volume
15
Issue
1
Language
English
OCDE Knowledge area
Investigación climática Políticas de salud, Servicios de salud
Scopus EID
2-s2.0-84934285991
PubMed ID
Source
BMC Public Health
Sponsor(s)
Foremost, we would like to thank the residents of Rigolet for welcoming us into their community. Sincerest thanks to the dedicated community research coordinators, including Inez Shiwak, Marilyn Baikie, Ashley Shiwak, Candice Elson, Dinah Wolfrey, Tanya Pottle, and Barbara Pottle. Thanks to Bryn Wood for creating the map. All aspects of all authors' work were independent of the funding source. This project was funded by the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship (CIHR to SLH), Canada Graduate Scholarship (SSHRC to ACW), IRIACC initiative to JF (funded by IDRC, CIHR, NSERC, SSHRC), ArcticNet and the CIHR Applied Public Health Chairs program to JF, Nasivvik Centre to SLH, JF, VLE, SM, and Health Canada’s First Nations and Inuit Health Branch to RICG.
Sources of information: Directorio de Producción Científica Scopus