Participatory research for chronic disease prevention in Inuit communities.
OBJECTIVE
To develop a community-based chronic disease prevention program for Inuit in Nunavut, Canada.


METHODS
Stake-holders contributed to intervention development through formative research (in-depth interviews (n = 45), dietary recalls (n = 42)), community workshops, group feedback and implementation training.


RESULTS
Key cultural themes included the perceived healthiness of country foods, food sharing, and importance of family. During community workshops, key problem foods for intervention were identified as well as healthier culturally and economically acceptable alternatives for these foods. Behaviors for promotion were identified and prioritized.


CONCLUSIONS
This approach resulted in project acceptance, stakeholder collaboration, and a culturally appropriate program in stores, worksites, and other community venues.
Gittelsohn
Joel
J
Center for Human Nutrition, Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205-2179, USA. jgittels@jhsph.edu
Roache
Cindy
C
Kratzmann
Meredith
M
Reid
Rhonda
R
Ogina
Julia
J
Sharma
Sangita
S
D000293:Adolescent; D002170:Canada; D002908:Chronic Disease / Q000208:ethnology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D003132:Commerce; D003256:Community Participation; D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D003469:Culture; D005246:Feedback; D005518:Food Preferences; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D004930:Inuit; D008019:Life Style / Q000208:ethnology; D016730:Program Development / Q000379:methods*; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012107:Research Design; D013663:Teaching / Q000379:methods