Review Article: Indigenous health in the Arctic: an overview of the circumpolar Inuit population

Abstract

The health of the Inuit has undergone substantial changes over the past five centuries, as a result of social, cultural, and economic changes brought about by interactions with Europeans. This process was accelerated considerably in the second half of the twentieth century. The incidence of infectious diseases has declined considerably but is still high compared with Western societies. Chronic diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease are on the increase, while accidents, suicides, violence, and substance abuse are of major importance for the pattern of ill health in most Inuit communities. Lifestyle changes, social change, and changes in society and the environment are major determinants of health among the Inuit.

Improved survival of head and neck cancer patients in Greenland

“…Head and neck cancer is frequent in the Inuit population who primarily inhabit the circumpolar region with the majority living in Greenland, Canada and Alaska [1]. Among the Inuit there is a high incidence of cancer of the nasopharynx and salivary glands compared to their respective national populations in Denmark, Canada and the United States [2].…”

Well-being and environmental change in the arctic: a synthesis of selected research from Canada’s International Polar Year program

“…It may simultaneously be perceived as stable, improving or worsening in the last several decades (Kruse et al 2009). Although there are many interpretations, government statistics reveal that many individuals and communities struggle with high levels of unemployment, lack of safe water, limited housing, and physical health problems (e.g., tuberculosis) conventionally associated with the developing world (Bjerregaard et al 2004;Christensen 2011;Wootton and Metcalfe 2010;Young and Mollins 1996). Such conditions may improve or worsen as the effects of climate change become more apparent and the environmental effects of natural resource development become more widespread.…”

HIV/AIDS Risk and Prevention Issues Among Inuit Living in Nunavut Territory of Canada

“…They now feel under-represented, lacking access to power and jobs, with low literacy rates and low educational attainment. They live in poor crowded housing, in remote and economically depressed communities with high levels of sickness and disease (19). These involuntary socio-economic factors create a predisposition to HIV infection (46,75).…”

“…Arctic health specialists, including Bjerregaard and Young (18)(19)(20), have highlighted and quantified a Canadian-Inuit health disparity experienced by Nunavut Inuit, is shown in Table I.…”