Vitamin D deficiency has been associated with increased risk of tuberculosis (TB). Changes from a traditional to a Westernised diet among Greenlanders have resulted in reduced serum vitamin D, leading to considerations of whether preventive vitamin D supplementation should be introduced. The association between vitamin D status and TB was examined to assess the feasibility of vitamin D supplementation in Greenland. This was examined in a case -control study involving seventy-two matched pairs of TB patients (cases) and controls aged 8 -74 years. Cases were diagnosed with TB during 2004-6 based on clinical findings in combination with either (1)

Objectives. The aim of this study was to determine hygienic habits and precautions taken with main focus on hand hygiene, cleaning and laundry in day-care centres in Greenland. Methods. In the period 2000-2002 we investigated 33 day-care centres in towns along the west coast of Greenland using a questionnaire. The majority of the day-care centres (18/33) were found in the biggest towns in Greenland Nuuk and Sisimiut. Results. The institutions covered 34% of children attending day-care centres in Greenland. Although most caregivers and children would wash their hands before meals and after changing diaper/toilet, not all did so. One third of caretakers did not wash hands after wiping a child's nose. Paper towels were only available as recommended in 25% of day-care centres. Linen was washed weekly or more often per month, but at lower temperatures than recommended. Most floors were washed daily. Conclusions. The day-care centres in general did not follow hygienic recommendations sufficiently, and the hygienic behaviours resembled more those of home. For public institutions this is not sufficient to prevent cross-contamination, as the risk of spread of microorganisms is high in institutions with many contacts. Caregivers are the most important role models in teaching the child good hygienic habits such as hand hygiene. Hygienic education of caregivers and early hygienic training of children, preferably already in nursery, is therefore important and should be strengthened.

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