The origin of alcohol‐related social norms in the Saami minority

Objectives. Our knowledge of the impact of indigenous culture on drug consumption is scarce. Based on the Sámi Health Study, we compare the use of hypnotics among the Sámi and non-Sámi people, living in the same area at 70°N in northern Norway. Study Design. Cross-sectional survey based on a cardiovascular screening, including questionnaires and a clinical examination. Methods. A total of 16 323 men and women born 1925 -1967 in counties with a mixed Sámi and non-Sámi population responded to a questionnaire delivered at attendance of a health study. The response rate was 60%. The main analyses were restricted to 12 378 subjects with information on all relevant variables, including ethnicity and use of hypnotics. Results. The prevalence of insomnia and use of hypnotics was significantly lower in the Sámi compared to the non-Sámi population in northern Norway (p < 0.0001). Regardless of ethnicity and age, prevalence of use of hypnotics in women was twice that of men. People who consulted modern, or traditional healers had a higher prevalence of use of hypnotics compared to those who did not. Conclusions. The stronger the Sámi affiliation, the lower the prevalence of use of hypnotics. In general, insomnia is less frequently stated in the Sámi than in the non-Sámi study population. This may reflect a different attitude to sleep as a phenomenon among the Sámi. (Int J Circumpolar Health 2006:65(3):261-270.)

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 50%

Use of hypnotics in Sámi and non-Sámi populations in northern Norway

Bakken¹,

Melhus²,

Lund³

2006

“…According to the relatively few studies on the health situation among the Sami population, there is so far no evidence of a more disadvantaged health status. Compared to the majority population, studies have shown less alcohol use among Sami adults and adolescents (21)(22)(23) and similar rates of mental health problems, smoking and sexual risktaking behaviour for adolescents (22,24,5). This pattern differs with that for several other Indigenous populations worldwide.…”

Section: What Can Explain the Moderate Rates Of Suicidal Behaviour Ammentioning

confidence: 48%

Prevalence of suicidal behaviour among indigenous Sami in northern Norway

Silviken

2009

Objectives. To summarize knowledge about suicidal behaviour among indigenous Sami living in northern Norway. Study design. This summary is based on data from a register-based follow-up study (Study I) and the North Norwegian Youth Study (Study II) -a longitudinal questionnaire study conducted in 1994-1995 and 1997-1998. Methods. The cohort from Study I included 19,801 persons with Sami ethnic ancestry, 10,573 (53.4%) men and 9,228 (46.6%) women. The cross-sectional sample analysed from Study II (1994/1995/T1) included 2,691 adolescents (1,402 females, 52%, and 1,289 males, 48%) aged 16-18 years. Results. Study I indicated that there was a significant moderate increased risk for suicide among indigenous Sami (SMR=1.27, 95% confidence interval (CI):1.02-1.56) compared to the reference population. In Study II, there were no significant ethnic differences in the prevalence of suicide attempts between Sami adolescents (10.5%) and their non-Sami peers (9.2%). Conclusions. Although the finding of a moderate significant increased risk of suicide among Sami is consistent with the general findings among Indigenous peoples, the suicide rates found among Sami is moderate compared to several others Indigenous peoples. When it comes to suicide attempts, no ethnic differences in prevalence of suicide attempts were found between Sami adolescents and their non-Sami peers.

“…Some studies based on the cardiovascular screening reports in Finnmark County have shown only minor differences in risk factors (3)(4)(5)(6)(7)(8), and they applied a definition of Sámi ethnicity based on a person having at least two Sámi-speaking grandparents. Other studies have focused on alcohol consumption (9,10). In addition, there exist many publications on health and ethnicity among school children and adolescents (11)(12)(13)(14)(15).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Population based study of health and living conditions in areas with both Sami and Norwegian populations-The saminor study

Lund¹,

Melhus²,

Hansen³

et al. 2007

128

Objectives. The overall aim of the SAMINOR project was to study health and diseases in relation to living conditions among the Sámi population and to compare these with the Norwegian population in the same area. This article provides an overview of the background of the study and a description of the methods employed for the data collection. We give sample characteristics and elaborate on different definitions of ethnicity. Study design. Cross-sectional, population-based study, including questionnaires, a clinical examination and analyses of blood samples. Methods. All individuals 30 or 36 to 79 years of age who were living in defined municipalities or specified local areas with a known Sámi population were invited to a cardiovascular screening program. The data were collected during [2003][2004]. The questionnaires focused on living conditions, health, Sámi traditions and ethnicity. The eligible population consisted of 27,987 individuals and 16,865 (60.6%) participated by answering at least one questionnaire. Analyses were restricted to the 36 to 79 year-old age group which had 16,538 participants. The screening program comprised a blood sample, measurements of blood pressure, height, weight, and waist and hip ratio. Different definitions of Sámi ethnicity were explored. Results. Of the sample, 35.6 % reported Sámi background, and 13.2 % reported that they, their parents and their grandparents had Sámi as their domestic language. This stringent definition of Sámi produced clearer differences between Sámi and Norwegians, as shown for some measures of socioeconomic status. Conclusions. The findings that are related to more strict definitions of Sámi ethnicity have important implications for the interpretation of earlier works and for future studies.