title: Survey of "northern" child and maternal health research being conducted in Canada.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of the study is to better understand the scope of research being conducted by Canadian paediatric and maternal health centres on the topic of maternal child health of northern populations. In addition, the results are intended to help assess the prospects for the creation of a research network dedicated to this topic.
  
  
  METHODS
  Questionnaire study complemented with review of database.
  
  
  METHODS
  Data were collected using a short questionnaire with qualitative and quantitative questions. Surveys were sent by email to members of two Canadian national paediatric groups, representing 17 organizations. Supplementary information was obtained through review of the database for research funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) and by the International Polar Year Program.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Response was limited, with most input coming from academic environments with a strong commitment to research conducted among northern populations. Research focuses included health as well as other disciplines. The definition of "the North" provided by respondents fit generally within the operational definition identified by the researchers.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The topic of maternal and child health is more thoroughly examined among rural and remote populations than specifically among northern populations. The existence of a type of network, the evidence of a lack of inter-institutional communication and the identified need for support lead to the conclusion that a formal research network would be of benefit. Research is already funded by national funding agencies, suggesting that there may be an opportunity to collaborate with a national agency in the development of an appropriate network.
authors: Child and Family Research Institute, Vancouver, Canada. maryhgeorge@gmail.com
authors: M H
authors: MH
authors: George
authors: Robert W
authors: RW
authors: Armstrong
mesh_terms: D000046:Academic Medical Centers; D001110:Arctic Regions; D002170:Canada; D002648:Child; D002669:Child Welfare / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D003081:Cold Climate; D003625:Data Collection; D005260:Female; D006302:Health Services Research / Q000191:economics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D007198:Indians, North American; D004930:Inuit; D008429:Maternal Welfare / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012424:Rural Population; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires