-- Lenke til Internationa Journal of Circumpolar health --

'Engaging First Nation and Inuit communities in asthma management and control: Assessing cultural appropriateness of educational resources' With an increase of asthma among First Nations groups, there is increasing need for asthma education materials for use with this population. This mixed methods evaluation of materials currently available for First Nations groups provides useful recommendations. Rural and Remote Health Journal April, 2013

'Developing research in partnership with Aboriginal communities - strategies for improving recruitment and retention' How to meet the needs of Indigenous Australian patients and communities when planning research and providing clinical care - a must-read for all who are committed to 'Closing the Gap'. Rural and Remote Health Journal, April 2013

'Climate change and health research: has it served rural communities? This herculean survey of the climate change health and social sciences literature introduces 'concept mapping' as a method to support vulnerable rural communities' adaption to the health challenges of climate change. Rural and Remote Health Journal, Febr 2013

'Comparative validation of self-report measures of negative attitudes towards Aboriginal Australians and Torres Strait Islanders' Racial prejudice, an everyday experience for Aboriginal people in Australia, has detrimental effects on mental and physical health. But negative, prejudicial attitudes among healthcare professionals can increase existing access barriers to services. This study used three tools to examine negative attitudes towards Aboriginal Australians, and suggests an opportunity to address racial prejudice in undergraduate curricula. Rural and Remote Health Journal , April 2013

'Validation and enhancement of Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander psychiatric hospitalisation statistics through an Indigenous Mental Health Worker register. Accurate health-service usage data is essential for equitable service provision, especially for underserved populations - but how accurate is official data? This study used a unique register kept by an Australia Indigenous Mental Health Worker to verify official health system identification of Indigenous status among patients, demonstrating the power of a specific style of record-keeping for a specific population. Rural and Remote Health Journal, Febr 2013

'Thematic analysis of key factors associated with Indigenous and non-Indigenous suicide in the Northern Territory, Australia' The enormous impact of suicide on families and the wider rural community calls for urgent attention and action. A starting place is in seeking to understand key associated factors - in this case, those established by Northern Territory coroners in Australia. Rural and Remote Health Journal, Dec 2012

Lungurra Ngoora - a pilot model of care for aged and disabled in a remote Aboriginal community - can it work?' This description and discussion of a pilot, remote Aboriginal community care service model will inspire others to address the integrated delivery of aged, disability and mental health services in similar contexts - in a culturally appropriate way. Rural and Remote Health Journal,dec 2012

'Facilitating medical withdrawal from opiates in rural Ontario' The abuse of oxycodine has reached epidemic levels in some remote communities in Canada. To address this addiction, a withdrawal support service was developed and is described here in the hope it will help other communities struggling with similar issues. Rural and Remote Health Journal, Oct 2012

'Exposure to traumatic events, prevalence of posttraumatic stress disorder and alcohol abuse in Aboriginal communities' Generations of Australian Aboriginal people have been exposed to traumatic events with devastating psychosocial and health consequences, including psychiatric morbidity and mortality, and medical complications. This study suggests that a high prevalence of undiagnosed posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in this population group leads to misinterpretation of symptoms - with tragic consequences. Rural and Remote Helath Journal, Oct 2012

''A review of dental caries in Australian Aboriginal children: the health inequalities perspective' Extensive dental decay impacts a child's nutrition, health and wellbeing. Amid indications that the oral health of Australian Aboriginal children is worsening, this important review collates the evidence, comparing Aboriginal with non-Aboriginal children, by state, rural/urban location and over time. The evidence speaks for itself. Rural and Remote Helath Journal, Oct 2012

Impact of a school snack program on the dietary intake of grade six to ten First Nation students living in a remote community in northern Ontario, Canada' Food security has increasingly been an issue in rural and remote communities. This study provides convincing evidence for the support of a school snack program in a remote community in northern Ontario, Canada. Rural and Remote Health Journal Aug 2012

'Cancer support services - are they appropriate and accessible for Indigenous cancer patients in Queensland, Australia?' With cancer mortality higher for Indigenous Australians in Queensland, these authors mapped relevant support services and assessed access barriers for (mostly) rural Indigenous clients. Location was just one factor identified. Rural and Remote Health Journal, Aug 2012

'Family support and the child as health promoting agent in the Arctic - "the Inuit way"' 'Individual members of the family contribute to the health of the family, but the child is often the catalyst for health promotion within the family, not only the siblings to the unborn child, but also the unborn child'. So state the authors of this unique literature review that examines and interprets the intricate and complex construction of family in the indigenous Inuit culture, and in so doing illuminate the central role of the child. Rural and Remote Health Journal, May 2012

'Prevalences of overweight and obesity among children in remote Aboriginal communities in central Australia'. The chronic disease burden associated with overweight and obesity among Aboriginal Australians calls for early intervention. However, does routine data on BMI-for-age provide adequate estimation of future risk among the children in these communities? Rural and Remote Helath Journal, April 2012

'Use of traditional environmental knowledge to assess the impact of climate change on subsistence fishing in the James Bay Region of Northern Ontario, Canada'. In an unusual approach, this research combined scientific method with traditional environmental knowledge to inquire into climate change and food security for Aboriginal Peoples in northern Ontario, Canada. The researchers focus on the extreme climatic events of one summer and subsequent distribution of subsistence fish species. Rural and Remote Helath Journal, April 2012

'Ethical professional practice: exploring the issues for health services to rural Aboriginal communities This reflective piece from a psychologist working with Canadian Aboriginal peoples integrates the personal with the professional. However, her recommendations and lessons learned will be useful to other health professionals who work with Indigenous peoples in other geographic regions. Rural and Remote Health Journal, April 2012

Thinking outside the box: Aboriginal people’s suggestions for conducting health studies with Aboriginal communities Public Health Volume 125, Issue 11, November 2011,

'Oral health of pre-school children in rural and remote Western Australia' Om tannhelsen til førskolebarn i Australia. Urfolk sammenliknes med ikke-urfolk. Rural and Remote Health Journal, Dec 2011

'Managing environmental risks: the benefits of a place-based approach' How do we effectively manage environmental risks so that the public's health is safeguarded? Traditionally, standardized risk assessments and advisories have been commonplace but these authors argue for a place-baased approach to environmental risk for improved healh outcomes. Rural and Remote Health Journal, Sept 2011

'Use of health care in the main area of Sami habitation in Norway - catching up with national expenditure rates Does Norway's Indigenous population have greater access to health care than Indigenous peoples in other world regions? This comparative geographical analysis of Norwegian municipal health expenditure offers some surprising findings. Rural and Remote Health Journal, June 2011

'Determinants of antenatal and postnatal care visits among Indigenous people in Bangladesh: a study of the Mru Community. Bangladesh's remote, Indigenous Mru people live on cliffs and hilltops, in ravines and deep forest - far beyond the reach of the internet or even broadcast radio. It is no surprise then that Mru women's access to antenatal and postnatal care is alarmingly low. What does surprise is the absence of outreach to educate, provide maternal care and to intervene in obstetric emergencies. This study analyses local and systemic factors preventing Mru women from accessing the care they need. Rural and Remote Health Journal June 2011

The use of Photovoice to document and characterize the food security of users of community food programs in Iqaluit, Nunavut Little is known about "food insecurity" although it is an increasingly important issue among Canadian Arctic communities. This article reports on a unique "Photovoice" study in which images captured by participants assisted in determining factors that influenced the type, quantity and quality of food consumption. The study findings link social determinants of health to cultural values, adding valuable knowledge to our understanding of this significant issue. Rural and Remote Health Journal, June 2011

Culture shock and healthcare workers in remote Indigenous communities of Australia: what do we know and how can we measure it? Does incomplete cultural adaptation among non-Indigenous health professionals working in Indigenous communities contribute to rural workforce shortages? This comprehensive review of the international literature offers evidence about the impact of culture shock in remote Australia, with potential application to other world regions. Rural and Remote Health Journal, April 2011

'Development of a culturally specific assessment tool for pelvic organ prolapse in a Mayan population Rural populations represent a wide range of cultures and daily living patterns vary greatly. Measures of the activities of daily living need to be specific to culture and lifestyle. Pelvic organ prolapse is a significant problem for many rural females. Addressing the problem required a culturally specific assessment tool to facilitate the health care of rural women with pelvic organ prolapse in Guatemala. Rural and Remote Health Journal, Febr 2011

Colorectal cancer screening among rural Appalachian residents with multiple morbidities Do multiple chronic health conditions affect colorectal cancer screening among vulnerable middle-aged and older US adults? In addition to the commonly expressed barriers to colonoscopy (unpleasant screening, no health insurance, shortage of gastroenterologists...), these authors found barriers specific to their Appalachian participants. Their thoughtful discussion of the barriers could be used to facilitate better care in many comparable rural areas. Rural and Remote Health Journal, Febr 2011

Culture at the centre of community based aged care in a remote Australian Indigenous setting: a case study of the development of Yuendumu Old People's Programme It started when the Warlpiri Aboriginal community in Central Australia wanted to bring their old people home from distant nursing homes. The subsequent development of the Yuendumu Old Peoples Programme and its Family Model of Care shows how this was achieved - and so much more. When government and community worked together respectfully, the power of the traditional system of care based on Law, kinship and 'country' transformed the everyday setting of community based Indigenous aged care - and the final years of many older people. Rural and Remote Health Journal, Nov 2010

'Type 2 diabetes in the First Nations population: a case example of clinical practice guidelines. Addressing the epidemic of type 2 diabetes among First Nations peoples is an ongoing challenge. These authors reflect on their clinical practice and research endeavors, providing useful insights that health workers can use to engage with First Nations communities in these efforts.
 Rural and Remote Health Journal, Oct 2010

The experience of being a traditional midwife: relationships with skilled birth attendants' Much has been written about traditional midwives, the caregivers of choice or necessity for many birthing women in areas such as rural Western Kenya. This small local study gives voice to traditional midwives about their relationships with skilled (professional) birth attendants. The recommendations reference a wider debate, offer ways to improve the specific issues identified and, ultimately, benefit mothers and their newborn children. Rural and Remote Health Journal, Oct 2010
 

Aboriginal Peoples, Health and Healing Approaches: The Effects of Age and Place on Health For demographic reasons and as a result of a number of high profile health incidents in recent years, much of the health research and policy focus is on the younger cohorts of Aboriginal peoples in Canada. A critical examination of recent demographic trends reveals, however, that older cohorts of the Aboriginal population are increasing at a faster rate than younger cohorts, primarily due to improvements in life expectancy and declining fertility rates. Yet, there are surprisingly few health studies that have recognized the aging of the Aboriginal population. Social Science & Medicine, Sept 2010

Maternal smoking at first prenatal visit as a marker of risk for adverse pregnancy outcomes in the Qikiqtaaluk (Baffin) Region Enhancing birth outcomes among vulnerable groups in rural and remote areas remains a priority. This retrospective cross-sectional chart review provides useful information about smoking and pregnancy among the Inuit in Nunavut, Canada. Rural and Remote Health Journal, Sept 2010

Prophylactic penicillin by the full moon: a novel approach in Central Australia that may help to reduce the risk of rheumatic heart disease Indigenous Australians have among the highest rates in the world of acute rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease. For some, the timing of essential medication can be problematic. This unique study of clients and primary care providers in Central Australia reports on 'The Full Moon Strategy' which uses the natural world as a reminder for monthly penicillin prophylaxis. Rural and remote Health Joural, Aug 2010

'Closing the Gap': How maternity services can contribute to reducing poor maternal infant health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women Three of Australia's midwifery leaders present their strategies for improving maternal health of Aboriginal women in regional, rural and remote Australia. Rural and Remote Helath Journal, August 2010

Pain in remote Andean communities - learning from Quichua (Inca) experienceWhat are the pain experiences of Indigenous peoples? And are they different from the experience of other groups? This report explores pain experience and related beliefs in the South American Quicha (Inca) peoples. Rural and Remote Helath Journal, July 2010

Making the best of the early years: the Tambellup way What does one small rural community have that others do not? This was the question that sparked research into why the West Australian town of Tambellup outperformed others in an early child development index. The important findings of this small study tell the success story of the Tambellup community, whose strengths so effectively promote the wellbeing and healthy development of its children in their crucial early years. Rural and Remote Health Journal, July 2010

Remote primary health care practitioners' views about priorities in Indigenous dementia research.The rate of dementia among older rural and remote Indigenous Australians is much higher than for other Australians, and it is predicted to double in the next 12 years. This Letter reports the research themes and priorities that emerged from the recent workshop 'Recognising and responding to dementia in Indigenous communities', making it a must-read for interested clinicians, researchers and policy-makers. Rurak and remote health journal, August 2010

Implementing a whole school physical activity and healthy eating model in rural and remote First Nations schools: a process evaluation of Action Schools! BC' How do we deal with the obesity and related diabetes epidemic among First Nations peoples in Canada? These authors suggest taking a 'whole school framework' approach among First Nations students in rural and remote communities in British Columbia, Canada. They emphasize the feasiblity of their evaluation, and its results. Rural and Remote Health Journal, May 2010

Klimaendringer gir helsekonsekvenser i Arktis En artikkel i tidsskriftet Journal of Cirumpolar Health beskriver bekymringer og resultater av den globale oppvarmingen i artiske strøk som Grønnland, Alaska, Canada:Direct health threats from climate change include morbidity and mortality resulting from the increasing number of extreme weather events (storms, floods, increased heat and cold temperatures), and the rising incidence of injury and mortality associated with unpredictable ice and storm conditions. Indirect effects include greater mental and social stress related to changes in environment and the accompanying loss of traditional lifestyle, changes in bacterial and viral diseases and reduced access to quality water sources. Av AJ Parkinsson, April 2010 

Ethnicity, self-reported health, discrimination and socio-economic status: a study of Sami and non-Sami Norwegian populations 50% av samekvinner utenfor samekommunene sliter med helsen.
Dette kommer frem i en vitenskaplig artikkel som doktorgradsstipendiat og pedagog Ketil Lenert Hansen ved Senter for samisk helseforskning, Institutt for samfunnsmedisin ved Universitetet i Tromsø, publisert april 2010 på nett i International Journal of Circumpolar Health. 

Suicidforekomst i arktis - tema for ''Circumpolar Health''
Det har lenge vært kjent at urfolk verden over i moderne tid har en høyere prevalens av suicid enn andre folk. International Journal of Circumpolar Health presenterer nyere og eldre data fra samisk populasjon i Norge, samt artikler fra nabolandene, Alaska og Canada i et eget temanummer. Selvskading og selvmordsadferd forekommer ikke oftere hos unge samer enn hos ikke-samer i Nord Norge

'Aboriginal science symposium: enabling Aboriginal student success in post-secondary institutions' Mainstream education has consistently undervalued Indigenous knowledge and this can be quite frustrating for educators and students of Aoriginal origin. Has this failure to teach from a broad cultural orientation resulted in the under-representation of Aboriginal persons in health and science occupations? A unique collaborative initiative grew from Canada's University of Lethbridge Support Program for Aboriginal Nursing Students: the 2009 Aboriginal Science Symposium. Academics worldwide interested in developing more inclusive curricula should review the recommendations from this Symposium. Rural and Remote Helath Journal, Januar 2010

Den som tier samtykker – eller ikke
Kulturforståelse og samhandling med den samiske pasienten

Å forutsette at den som tier ikke samtykker,
er en handling som er forankret i en annen kultur.
I den norske kulturen er taushet ofte uttrykk for enighet.
I den samiske kulturen er taushet ofte uttrykk formeningsforskjell.urforståelse og samhandling med den samiske pasienten. Av Snefrid Møllersen, Utposten, desember 2009