| Summary: | In 2006 a youth health survey was conducted in Pangnirtung, Nunavut as part of a community collaboration. The survey assessed food use, nutrient status and anthropometry. Thirty four percent of youth were above healthy weight; soft drink consumption averaged 1 litre per day; and nutrient intake distributions showed likelihood of inadequacies in the diet. Traditional food (TF) consumption, however, had a beneficial effect on nutrient status as iron, vitamin A and protein intake was significantly higher among those who consumed TF. Elder stories about TF were used as a pilot intervention aimed to promote TF by increasing traditional knowledge (TK) to community youth. Stories were played on a DVD and pre/post questionnaires were administered; independent and paired t-tests revealed a significant transfer of TK to youth. Qualitative analysis further revealed deep respect for TK, indicating that future initiatives should consider incorporating TK in health promotion strategies.
|
|---|