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. 2015 Jul 2:15:605.
doi: 10.1186/s12889-015-1874-3.

Climate-sensitive health priorities in Nunatsiavut, Canada

Sherilee L Harper  1   2 , Victoria L Edge  3   4 , James Ford  5   6 , Ashlee Cunsolo Willox  7 , Michele Wood  8 ; IHACC Research Team; RICG; Scott A McEwen  9
Affiliations

Climate-sensitive health priorities in Nunatsiavut, Canada

Sherilee L Harper et al. BMC Public Health. .

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.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
A map of the five Inuit communities within the Labrador Inuit Settlement Area in Nunatsiavut, Labrador, Canada
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Key photos and quotes/messages (a-h) selected by PhotoVoice participants in Rigolet, Nunatsiavut, Labrador, Canada in 2010
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
The pathways through which climate change impacts on Indigenous health in Nunatsiavut, Canada based on participant interviews, focus group discussions, photovoice workshops, and the broader literature
Fig. 4
Fig. 4
Percentage of bio-psycho-social (BPS) survey participant’s responding “Agree” or “Strongly Agree” to questions about connections to the land, people, and animals by age (youth n = 8; adult n = 69; Elder n = 30) in Rigolet, Nunatsiavut in 2010
Fig. 5
Fig. 5
Top climate-sensitive health priorities identified by participants in Nunatsiavut, Canada
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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