RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: Certain types of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) are highly associated with cervical cancer and precursor lesions (dysplasia), but the distribution of HPVs in Northern Canada is largely unknown. This study determined the prevalences of HPV infection due to different virus types and the association of different virus types with cervical dysplasia in the Northwest Territories (NWT). METHODS: Between April 2008 and March 2009, women who underwent routine Pap testing in the NWT were included in the study. An in-house Luminex assay detected type-specific HPV infections. The HPV prevalence rates and population attributable risk fractions were calculated. RESULTS: In 5725 bio-samples, the overall HPV prevalence was 24.2%, and of the HPV-positive samples, 76.6% harbored high-risk types, 35.2% harbored multi-type infections, and 21.6% harbored HPV16 or 18 infections. The HPV prevalence was approximately 50% higher among Aboriginal than non-Aboriginal women. The age-specific HPV prevalence exhibited a U-shape distribution in the Aboriginal group. The prevalence of HPV16 or 18 infections found in high-grade lesions was 34.1%. Among this study population, 89.5% of the cases with cervical dysplasia were attributable to HPV infection, with 27.1% attributable to HPV16/18. CONCLUSION: The high prevalence of high-risk HPV in this population, particularly in the Aboriginal group, will require further studies to identify specific predictors of infection.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: Information on arthritis and other musculoskeletal disorders among Aboriginal people is sparse. Survey data show that arthritis and rheumatism are among the most commonly reported chronic conditions and their prevalence is higher than among non-Aboriginal people. OBJECTIVE: To describe the burden of arthritis among Aboriginal people in northern Canada and demonstrate the public health significance and social impact of the disease. METHODS: Using cross-sectional data from more than 29,000 Aboriginal people aged 15 years and over who participated in the Aboriginal Peoples Survey 2006, we assessed regional differences in the prevalence of arthritis and its association with other risk factors, co-morbidity and health care use. RESULTS: The prevalence of arthritis in the three northern territories ("North") is 12.7% compared to 20.1% in the provinces ("South") and is higher among females than males in both the North and South. The prevalence among Inuit is lower than among other Aboriginal groups. Individuals with arthritis are more likely to smoke, be obese, have concurrent chronic diseases, and are less likely to be employed. Aboriginal people with arthritis utilized the health care system more often than those without the disease. CONCLUSIONS: Aboriginal-specific findings on arthritis and other chronic diseases as well as recognition of regional differences between North and South will enhance program planning and help identify new priorities in health promotion.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: Information on arthritis and other musculoskeletal disorders among Aboriginal people is sparse. Survey data show that arthritis and rheumatism are among the most commonly reported chronic conditions and their prevalence is higher than among non-Aboriginal people. OBJECTIVE: To describe the burden of arthritis among Aboriginal people in northern Canada and demonstrate the public health significance and social impact of the disease. METHODS: Using cross-sectional data from more than 29 000 Aboriginal people aged 15 years and over who participated in the Aboriginal Peoples Survey 2006, we assessed regional differences in the prevalence of arthritis and its association with other risk factors, co-morbidity and health care use. RESULTS: The prevalence of arthritis in the three northern territories ("North") is 12.7% compared to 20.1% in the provinces ("South") and is higher among females than males in both the North and South. The prevalence among Inuit is lower than among other Aboriginal groups. Individuals with arthritis are more likely to smoke, be obese, have concurrent chronic diseases, and are less likely to be employed. Aboriginal people with arthritis utilized the health care system more often than those without the disease. CONCLUSION: Aboriginal-specific findings on arthritis and other chronic diseases as well as recognition of regional differences between North and South will enhance program planning and help identify new priorities in health promotion.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

PURPOSE: This paper documents the problem of iron-deficiency anemia in the Inuit region of Nunavik, in Northern Quebec, particularly among pregnant women and infants. It also addresses the issue of Helicobacter pylori gastritis as a possible cause of anemia in this population. METHOD: Data on anemia in pregnancy are from routinely collected prenatal records. Data on anemia in infants are drawn from blood samples collected for a study on the impact of environmental contaminants. Helicobacter serologies were done on cord-blood specimens from 100 consecutive births screened for contaminant exposure. For comparison, serologies were done on a series of cord-blood specimens from 99 births in Southern Quebec. RESULTS: By term, 40% of pregnant women in Nunavik are anemic (Hgb < 115 g/L). Of infants aged 9-14 months, 58% are anemic (Hgb < 110 g/L), and among the remaining 42%, over half have depleted iron stores. Twenty-seven percent of the Nunavik sample had positive or equivocal Helicobacter serologies. In the comparison group, 10% were positive or equivocal.

Asunto(s)

Asunto(s)