Investigating the health status of the Yakut : an analysis of residence and sex differences in blood pressure

• Main Author: Eberly, Sloan Elizabeth.
• Other Authors: Sorensen, Mark V. (Mark Vincent)
• Format: Thesis
• Language: English
• Published: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Library 2006
• Subjects: Yakut; Siberia
• Online Access: http://dc.lib.unc.edu/u?/etd,681

This paper investigates the impact of culture change on the Yakut, an indigenous population in Siberia. Variation in systolic and diastolic blood pressure was compared for two grouping variables of residency status (urban/rural and isolated/not isolated) and between the sexes. Rural and isolated residents exhibited significantly higher mean systolic blood pressure values than their urban and not isolated counterparts. Diastolic blood pressure was found to be significantly elevated for isolated residents. There was no significant difference in diastolic blood pressure between rural and urban residents. Men had higher mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure than women. Age and three measures of adiposity were also incorporated into the analysis. The relationship between these measures and blood pressure was evaluated. These results indicate traditional theories of modernization are insufficient when attempting to conceptualize the unique experience of Siberians. Culture change may be a more accurate framework in which to evaluate this phenomenon.