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At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1991

Disease pattern in Greenland: studies on morbidity in Upernavik 1979-1980 and mortality in Greenland 1968-1985.

The disease pattern is described for the population of Upernavik, which is the administrative centre of a very large, sparsely populated municipality in North Western Greenland. The number of medical contacts per person was by and large similar in Upernavik and Denmark despite different health care systems, but the distribution of diagnoses was different. Persons with poor socioeconomic status (housing conditions and social group) were admitted to hospital more often than those with high status. Mortality in Greenland was studied using a computerized register of causes of death covering all deaths in residents of Greenland during 1968-1985. Age standardized mortality rate was twice as high in Inuit of Greenland as in the population of Denmark but five times higher in children. Mortality due to infectious diseases, ischaemic heart disease and certain accidents decreased during the period studied while mortality due to lung cancer, suicide and homicide increased. Regional differences in mortality were pronounced with high infant mortality and high mortality from acute infections and accidents in the socioeconomically poor settlements and remote districts. The suicide and homicide rates were highest in the capital and in the remote East Greenland. Compared with Denmark, mortality rates were higher in Greenland from most causes with ischaemic heart disease as an exception, being significantly less common in Greenland in both males and females. A comprehensive literature review describes the disease pattern in Greenland with special emphasis on the period after 1970. It is concluded that epidemiology can contribute to future health planning in Greenland and that research and development must be given high priority. Some major health problems facing the Greenlandic community are the high mortality from suicides and homicides, the prevalence of violence often triggered by alcohol, the many accidents, the high infant and child mortality and the high mortality from preventable cancers (lung and cervix).

Cause of Death↗
PubMed2002

Iodine content of traditional Greenlandic food items and tap water in East and West Greenland.

OBJECTIVES: The iodine intake level is important for the occurrence of thyroid disorders in a population. The iodine intake in Greenland has been proposed to be more than ten times the recommended level. However, no measurements have been performed to determine the iodine content of Greenlandic food items, drinking water, and beverages available in East and West Greenland. STUDY DESIGN: Food samples were collected at the local market, kalaalimineerniarfik, in Nuuk and Ammassalik, and tap water was obtained from all towns in Greenland. Beverages were purchased at Kalaallit Niuerfiat KNI Pisiniarfik. RESULTS: Iodine content of seal, whale, wild fowl, reindeer, and musk ox varied between 4 and 195 microg/kg with low values for terrestrial animals (< 10 microg/kg) and higher values for marine animals (10-195 microg/kg). The iodine content of fish varied from 9 microg/kg in freshwater fish to 1,380 microg/kg in a sample of cod. The iodine content of sea mammals was: blubber 130 microg/kg; viscera 70 microg/kg; meat 21 microg/kg. No difference was observed between animals from East Greenland and West Greenland (P > 0.1). Iodine content of tap water was below 3.3 microg/l for all towns. Two sorts of beer had a high iodine content, up to 240 microg/l. The iodine content of all other beverages was 5-38 microg/l. CONCLUSIONS: We found a relatively high iodine content in marine animals but low iodine content in tap water and beverages in Greenland. The food and drinking water evaluated in the present study indicate adequate iodine intake in this area and do not support the notion that Greenland is an area of excessive iodine intake.

Animals↗
PubMed2003

Vitamin D insufficiency in Greenlanders on a westernized fare: ethnic differences in calcitropic hormones between Greenlanders and Danes.

We studied the influence of age, gender, latitude, season, diet and ethnicity on plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D 25 OHD, PTH, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D, vitamin D-binding protein, bone-specific alkaline phosphatase, and osteocalcin levels in 46 Greenlanders living in Nuuk (64 degrees N) on a traditional fare (group A), 45 Greenlanders living in Nuuk on a westernized fare (group B), 54 Greenlanders (group C), and 43 Danes (Group D) living in Denmark (55 degrees N) on a westernized fare. Blood specimens were drawn both summer and winter. Vitamin D insufficiency (plasma 25 OHD <40 nmol/l) was common in all four study groups during summer (23-74%) and winter (42-81%). Compared to groups A and D, vitamin D insufficiency was significantly more frequent in groups B and C. In all groups, summer levels of 25 OHD were above winter levels. Multiple regression analysis revealed a significant effect of ethnicity. Compared to Danes, Greenlanders had higher 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D levels, but lower 25 OHD and PTH levels despite relatively low plasma calcium concentrations. In addition to ethnicity, 25(OH)D levels were influenced by age, season (summer > winter), and diet (a traditional Inuit diet>westernized diet). Ethnic differences exist between Greenlanders and Danes. Our results suggest that Greenlanders may have an inherent lower "set-point" for calcium-regulated PTH release or an enhanced renal 1,25(OH)(2)D production. In addition to ethnicity, age, season, and diet were important determinants of vitamin D status. Changes from a traditional to a westernized fare are associated with a reduced vitamin D status in Greenlanders. Vitamin D supplementation should be considered.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

Cultural change and mental health in Greenland: the association of childhood conditions, language, and urbanization with mental health and suicidal thoughts among the Inuit of Greenland.

In Greenland, the rapid sociocultural change of the last 50 years has been paralleled by an epidemiological transition characterized by a reduction in infectious diseases, an increase in cancer and cardiovascular diseases, and an increased prevalence of mental health problems. During 1993-94 and 1997-98, two health interview surveys were conducted among Inuit in Greenland and Inuit migrants in Denmark. The response rates were 71 and 55%. Information on mental health was obtained from 1388 and 1769 adults. As indicators of mental health, the prevalence of potential psychiatric cases according to the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) and the prevalence of suicidal thoughts were studied in relation to childhood residence and father's occupation, current residence, and language. The statistical methods included logistic regression and graphical independence models. The results indicated a U-shaped association in Greenland of GHQ-cases with age and a high prevalence of suicidal thoughts among young people; a low prevalence of GHQ-cases among those who were bilingual or spoke only Danish; and a high prevalence of suicidal thoughts among migrants who grew up in Denmark and among residents of the capital of Greenland. In Greenland, women were more often GHQ-cases and had suicidal thoughts more often than men. The association between language and GHQ-cases is presumed to operate through socioeconomic factors. It is necessary to modify the common notion that rapid societal development is in itself a cause of poor mental health: as a result of successful integration into the modern Greenlandic society, some population groups have better mental health compared to other groups.

Acculturation↗
PubMed2002

Allergen sensitization and allergen exposure in Greenlander Inuit residing in Denmark and Greenland.

The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of allergic sensitization and possible risk factors in a genetically homogenous Inuit population living under widely differing climatic and cultural conditions. A written questionnaire and skin prick test for 10 aeroallergens were obtained from 1119 adult Greenlanders residing in Denmark, Nuuk (main city in Southern Greenland) and Uummannaq (rural settlement in Northern Greenland). Allergen exposure was assessed by pollen counts, questions on pet keeping and counts of house dust mites in dust samples. The overall prevalence of at least one positive skin prick test was 22.8% in Denmark, 10.6% in Nuuk, and 6.4% in Uummannaq. In Denmark, the total birch pollen counts were 40-1000 times higher compared to Nuuk, whereas the grass pollen count was 13-30 times higher in Denmark compared to Nuuk. Dogs were held indoor with a similar frequency in Denmark and Nuuk, but much less frequently in Uummannaq. In Denmark, house dust mites were found in 72% of house holds (>10/0.1 g dust). Less than 15% of households in Greenland had measurable levels of house dust mites. The prevalence of sensitization to aeroallergens in Inuit Greenlanders differed significantly between Denmark, Nuuk and Uummannaq. These findings correlated with the observed differences in population allergen exposure in the three regions. Furthermore, differences in lifestyle factors such as educational level, stress and ethnic self-identification seemed to be associated with the risk of allergic sensitization in Greenland.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

Haemoglobin concentrations appear to be lower in indigenous Greenlanders than in Danes: assessment of haemoglobin in 234 Greenlanders and in 2804 Danes.

OBJECTIVE: To compare haemoglobin concentrations in Greenlanders and Danes. METHODS: Haemoglobin was measured in a population survey in 1993-1994 comprising 234 indigenous Greenlandic individuals (115 men) aged 19-82 yr. and in Copenhagen County 1983-1984 comprising 2804 Caucasian Danes (1444 men) aged 30-60 yr. The Greenlandic participants were residents in the capital Nuuk (n=70), the town Ilulissat (n=74), and four settlements in the Uummannaq district (n=90). The significance of differences was assessed by Student's t-test, and the xi2-test. Correlations were assessed by Spearman's correlation coefficient (rs). RESULTS: Greenlanders: Haemoglobin levels were not correlated with age or consumption of traditional foods, and were not significantly different in the three residential areas. Mean haemoglobin was higher in men, 146+/-9.6 (SD) g/L, than in women, 132+/-9.6 g/L (p<0.0001). Mean haemoglobin in iron-replete men with serum ferritin >32 microg/L (n=104) was 146+/-9.3 g/L, and in iron-replete women (n=68) 133+/-10.4 g/L (p<0.0001). The 5th percentile for haemoglobin in iron-replete men was 133 g/L (8.3 mmol/L) and in women 118 g/L (7.3 mmol/L). The prevalence of iron deficiency anaemia (i.e. ferritin <13 microg/L and Hb <5th percentile for iron-replete men and women) was 0% in men, 2.78% in women < or =50 yr of age and 0% in women >50 yr of age. Danes: Mean haemoglobin in men was 154+/-10.0 g/L and in women 138+/-10.4 g/L (p<0.0001). Haemoglobin in iron-replete men (n=1379) (i.e. serum ferritin >32 microg/L) was 154+/-10.7 g/L, and in iron-replete women (n=1003) 140+/-9.6 g/L (p<0.0001). Mean haemoglobin was lower in premenopausal than in postmenopausal women (p<0.0001). The 5th percentile for haemoglobin in iron-replete men was 137 g/L (8.5 mmol/L) and in women 124 g/L (7.7 mmol/L). The prevalence of iron deficiency anaemia (i.e. ferritin <13 microg/L and Hb <5th percentile for iron replete men and women) was 0% in men, 1.92% in women < or =50 yr of age and 0% in women >50 yr of age. CONCLUSION: Haemoglobin concentrations in Greenlanders were significantly lower than in Danes both in men (p<0.0001) and in women (p<0.0001). Delta(mean haemoglobin) in men was 8.0 g/L (0.5 mmol/L) and in women 6.2 g/L (0.4 mmol/L). Variations in haemoglobin levels may be due to genetic differences.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

Inuit health in Greenland: a population survey of life style and disease in Greenland and among Inuit living in Denmark.

During 1997-2001 a population survey was carried out amongst Greenland Inuit living in Denmark and West Greenland (Nuuk, Sisimiut, Qasigiannguit and four villages in Uummannaq municipality). Data collection comprised an interview, a questionnaire, clinical examinations and sampling of biological specimens (blood, urine, subcutaneous fat tissue). The clinical examinations included anthropometric measurements, an oral glucose tolerance test, ECG, ultrasound of thyroid gland and carotid arteries, a skin prick test, and lung function. The data collection areas in Greenland ranged from the westernized capital of Nuuk (pop. app. 13,000) to small fishing and hunting villages (pop. app. 250). A total of 4,162 persons aged 18+ participated in the study; clinical examinations were performed on 2,056 of these, 739 from Denmark and 1317 from Greenland. Some of the above mentioned procedures were performed on a subset of the participants. The participation rate was 62%. We provide an overview of the background of the study and a detailed description of the methods employed for the data collection. A set of standard tables are provided for the indigenous population of Greenland. These cover statistics for selected variables by gender and ten-year age groups.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2004

Respiratory symptoms in greenlanders living in Greenland and Denmark: a population-based study.

BACKGROUND: Knowledge of respiratory diseases in an arctic population with increasingly westernized lifestyles provides the opportunity to obtain new information in this field. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the influence of environment and lifestyle on the presence of respiratory symptoms in a genetically homogenous population sample living under widely differing conditions. METHODS: Greenland is a part of Denmark, but its climate is mainly arctic, as opposed to the temperate climate of southern Denmark. A random sample of Inuits who had immigrated to Denmark and Inuits from 3 towns and 4 remote settlements in Greenland were studied. Of the 6,695 invited Inuits, 4,162 (62%) completed a questionnaire concerning respiratory symptoms and risk factors. RESULTS: Of the 4,162 Inuits, 847 (20%) had respiratory symptoms. Bronchitis was more frequent in the areas of Greenland than in Denmark (26% and 20% vs 13%; P < .001), whereas the pattern of asthma was contradictory (6% and 9% vs 10%; P = .057). Bronchitis was associated with living area (P = .01), tobacco consumption (P < .001), and asthma (P = .001), whereas asthma was related to living area (P = .03), hay fever (P < .001), low intake of whale (P = .04), years in Denmark (P = .09), and bronchitis (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Inuits' prevalence of bronchitis and asthma differed, with a higher frequency of bronchitis and a lower frequency of asthma in Inuits living in Greenland compared with Denmark. Living conditions or areas, diet, tobacco use, climate, and atopy are important for the presence of symptoms.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

DNA polymorphism in Greenland. Allele and profile frequencies in a Greenland population sample using the VNTR probes MS1, MS31, MS43a and YNH24.

Allele frequencies obtained by RFLP (Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism) analysis using the VNTR (Variable Number Tandem Repeats) single locus probes MS1, MS31, MS43a and YNH24 on HinfI-restricted DNA in a Greenland Eskimo (155 individuals) and a Danish Caucasian (616 individuals) population sample are reported. For MS1 the frequency distributions were almost identical whereas minor but significant differences were seen for the other 3 probes. The distribution of the frequencies of 139 Greenland complete DNA profiles was estimated using the Greenland and the Danish database. The average profile frequencies obtained with the Greenland database were approximately 10 times higher than the estimates obtained with the Danish database.

Alleles↗
PubMed1999

Marine radioactivity in the Arctic: a retrospect of environmental studies in Greenland waters with emphasis on transport of 90Sr and 137Cs with the East Greenland Current.

The waters around Greenland have received radioactive contamination from three major sources: Global fallout, discharges from the nuclear fuel reprocessing plant Sellafield in the UK, and the Chernobyl accident in the Former Soviet Union (FSU). The global fallout peaked in the early 1960s. The radiologically most important radionuclides from this source are 90Sr and 137Cs. The input of global fallout to arctic waters was direct deposition from the atmosphere and indirect delivery through river run off and advection from the Atlantic Ocean via the north-east Atlantic current system. The waterborne discharges from Sellafield which were at their peak between 1974 and 1981 contributed primarily 137Cs, although some 90Sr was also discharged. The Chernobyl accident in 1986 was characterised by its substantial atmospheric release of radiocaesium (134Cs and 137Cs). Other sources may, however, also have contributed to the radioactivity in the Greenland waters. Examples include La Hague, France, and radioactive discharges to the great Siberian rivers (Ob, Yenisey and Lena) from nuclear activities in the Former Soviet Union or the local fallout from the Novaya Zemlya nuclear weapons test site. Dumping of nuclear waste in the Kara and Barents Seas may be another, although minor source. From measurements in Greenland waters carried out since 1962 the transport of radionuclides with the East Greenland Current is calculated and compared with the estimated inputs of 90Sr and 137Cs to the Arctic Ocean. This study focus on 90Sr and 137Cs because the longest time series are available for these two radionuclides.

Animals↗
PubMed2003

Growth in Greenland: development of body proportions and menarcheal age in Greenlandic children.

INTRODUCTION: No recent investigations of child growth in Greenland are available. Owing to the secular trend, earlier investigations are of limited clinical value. OBJECTIVES: For this reason, we studied the most important anthropometric measurements of school children in Maniitsoq, Greenland. METHODS: We recorded weight, standing height, sitting height, armspan and menarcheal age. After the exclusion of ten children, who were either suffering from conditions known to influence growth, or for whom some of the anthropometric data were lacking, 299 boys and 290 girls remained in the study. The 589 children were between 5-19 years old. RESULTS: In comparison with a similar study in Maniitsoq undertaken a little more than 30 years ago, 14-year old children in Maniitsoq have increased standing height by 10 cms, or even more. Up to the age of 14, Greenlandic boys followed the Danish curve for standing height, then flattened out to reach a final mean height about 7 cms below the Danish level. The girls' growth curve followed the Danish one only to the age of 11 years, then flattened out to a final height of 5 cms below the Danish level. A somewhat higher sitting height ratio was recorded for both sexes compared to Danish children. The mean menarcheal age was 12.64 years. CONCLUSION: During the course of 100 years, menarcheal age in Greenland has diminshed by three years, and is now 3 months below that in Denmark.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1994

Restriction fragment length polymorphism Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains isolated from Greenland during 1992: evidence of tuberculosis transmission between Greenland and Denmark.

In order to describe the transmission of tuberculosis (TB) at the clonal level in a defined geographic region during a certain period of time, all isolates of Mycobacterium tuberculosis collected during 1992 from Greenland were subjected to analyses of DNA restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP). The RFLP patterns obtained by probing the genomic DNA with the repetitive insertion segment IS6110 revealed a high degree of similarity among the isolates, indicating a relatively high transmission rate and a close relationship between the individual M. tuberculosis clones. This was further confirmed by reprobing the Southern blots with two more-stable genetic markers, IS1081 and the DR sequence. The RFLP patterns were compared with those of 245 M. tuberculosis strains collected from Denmark during the same period (representing 91% of all new, bacteriologically verified cases of TB in Denmark in 1992). One of the three prevalent IS6110-defined clusters was traced to a group of immigrants from Greenland living in a small, defined geographical region in Denmark and to a group of Danish citizens either with known contact with these immigrants or, in other cases, with a record of previous travel or working activities in Greenland. The study showed that the present technique is extremely helpful in monitoring the spread of TB and thereby also contributing to improved disease control.

Cross-Sectional Studies↗
PubMed1999

[Health, life style and living conditions in Greenland. The 1993-1994 Greenland health survey].

Existing knowledge about the disease pattern in Greenland does not include the Greenlanders' own perception of their health. Consequently, the Greenland Home Rule Government initiated a countrywide health interview survey which was carried out during 1993-1994. A total of 1728 adults were interviewed and filled in a questionnaire. Self-rated health varied with age, gender and socioeconomic conditions. Only few of those bothered by symptoms had contacted the health care services. Musculoskeletal diseases were by far the most frequent cause of symptoms. Suicidal thoughts were frequent; 48% had experienced the suicide of a relative or friend. The life style is characterized by a high consumption of marine mammals and fish, a decreasing but still high alcohol consumption and an 80% prevalence of smoking among both men and women. The health care services are often staffed by Danish physicians and nurses. Occasionally this gives rise to communication problems and dissatisfaction.

Adult↗
PubMed1990

[The sexual habits of young Greenlanders and their knowledge of AIDS. A study done among students in vocational schools in Greenland in 1989].

A questionnaire investigation was undertaken among young Greenlanders in vocational training about their knowledge of AIDS and their sexual habits as a link in monitoring of the course of AIDS prophylaxis in Greenland. The investigation was anonymous and was carried out in the vocational colleges with assistance of a contact person in the college. All of the students who were present on the day of investigation (264 out of 326 students) participated. The investigation revealed that 3/4 had basic knowledge about AIDS but their knowledge about the routes of infection was less certain. The average age for commencement of sexual activity was 18.9 years for men and 17.3 years for women. Although the investigation revealed that a number of the participants had sexual habits which scarcely differed from those in other countries, the average number of partners within the past year was stated to be 7.5 for men and 4.4 for women. Information which can provide young people with better knowledge about AIDS should be given via colleges and health service institutions to a greater extent. It is also recommended that materials should be developed which are directed particularly to high-risk groups.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
PubMed1994

Greenlanders in hospital; lack of language understanding is not always a hindrance to intercultural communication. Comparison of interviews of Greenlandic patients and their Danish therapists with respect to concepts of communication, patient satisfaction, disease, and health.

In four hospitals in Greenland, 50 Greenlandic patients and their Danish therapists have been interviewed about the same topics. The interviews were semistructured with open ended questions on the following subjects: Language difficulties, perception of diagnosis, patients satisfaction and points of criticism, perception of disease and treatment, and experience of health in general. In spite of language difficulties and insufficient communication, patient satisfaction occurred in most of the consultations. There was a tendency towards the elder patients being more satisfied than the younger. It does not seem to be a necessity to achieve a good treatment-result that the patients and the therapists speak the same language and share the same concepts of health and disease. Where the foreign health service can be limited so that it is not viewed as a menace to culturally related concept of disease, the consultations give rise to the best patient-satisfaction.

Attitude to Health↗
PubMed1993

Changes in knowledge of HIV/AIDS, sexual behaviour and practice among STD patients in Greenland 1990-1992. Monitoring the Stop-AIDS campaign in Greenland.

Due to a high incidence of STDs Greenland is considered to be a high risk area for an AIDS epidemic, and a close monitoring system has been set up to monitor the spread of HIV and changes in knowledge and sexual norms. This is the second report from surveys of knowledge, sexual behaviour and practice and STD patients i Greenland. Data were collected by means of self administered questionnaires in 1990 to 1992 in Nuuk, Sisimiut and Angmagssalik. The results from Nuuk in 1992 are compared with results from a similar survey from 1990.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1998

[Diseases and health problems among children in Greenland. An epidemiological study based on referrals to special pediatric care in eight different districts of Greenland 1992-94].

Epilepsy and asthma, especially non-severe asthmatic bronchitis, were the most frequent genuinely paediatric diagnoses among children referred to paediatric specialist examination. Atopic dermatitis was a substantial problem. A number of patients were probably suffering from sequelae of diseases, which can be prevented or treated. Among potential etiological factors may be mentioned perinatal asphyxia, infections, and neonatal hyperbilirubinemia including kernicterus. Postneonatally meningitis may be mentioned. Cerebral palsy and epilepsy were possible sequelae. Otitis media cannot be considered as genuine paediatric diseases, but nevertheless this was the most frequent diagnosis among children referred to paediatric examination. A few cases of rare diseases were seen, among these some specifically Greenlandic diseases, for instance familial Greenlandic cholestasis and familial hypoplasia of the adrenal cortex. Other health problems than diseases (Z-diagnoses) represented 24% of diagnoses made, among these fear of disease.

Adolescent↗