Translational research to reducetrans-fat intakes in Northern Québec (Nunavik) Inuit communities: a success story?

Abstract

Following our results, based on population studies conducted in Greenland and Northern Canada, that Nunavik Inuit were thrice as highly exposed to dietary trans -fat as were Greenlandic Inuit, and that the biological levels found in Nunavik were already associated with deleterious blood lipid profiles, we decided to engage in translational activities. Our goal was to support Inuit communities in the practical implementation of a reduction of the trans -fat content of food sold in Nunavik. We carried out a preliminary feasibility study in Kuujjuaq and participated in several meetings. This translational phase involved an Inuk leader, an Inuk student, a southern student, a southern nutritionist and a southern researcher in the framework of a public health project. In the present article, we recount the different phases of the process, from research implementation to results dissemination and institutional commitment to implement a primary prevention program of reduction in trans -fat exposure in Nunavik. This is the occasion to draw broader conclusions on the factors that could either act in favour of or, on the contrary, would likely compromise the implementation of primary prevention interventions dealing with food and nutrition in the Arctic. Finally, we share some reflections on future translational activities dealing with trans -fat as well as other junk food issues. The analytical framework we propose integrates a range of factors, from geo-climatic to socio-economic, ethno-cultural, and even political, that we think should be examined while identifying and building preventive recommendations and strategies related to the Northern diet.

What do we know about health-related knowledge translation in the Circumpolar North? Results from a scoping review

“…All studies indicated the necessity of community involvement (29.4%) ( 46 , 50 , 55 , 56 , 76 ), importance of context (29.4%) ( 45 , 47 , 49 , 53 , 54 ), or both (41.2%) ( 31 , 48 , 51 , 52 , 57 , 75 , 77 ) for successful KT in Inuit communities in the Circumpolar North ( Fig. 4 b).…”

“… Bar graph indicating the knowledge translation (KT) methods that were assessed in the literature including workshops ( 53 , 54 , 73 , 77 ), stakeholder meetings ( 50 , 51 , 53 , 75 ), written material ( 50 , 53 , 54 , 75 ), presentations ( 50 , 57 , 75 , 76 ), open houses ( 52 , 54 , 55 , 57 ), radio broadcasts ( 50 , 53 , 57 ), digital video ( 46 ), community of interest groups ( 47 ), television broadcasts ( 53 ), household visits ( 75 ) and immediate individual feedback (categories are not mutually exclusive) ( 76 ). …”

“…4 a). Reflection on the KT strategy was used as the sole assessment tool in 10 studies (58.8%) ( 50 – 53 , 55 – 57 , 75 – 77 ). Qualitative evaluation were used in 4 (23.5%) studies ( 45 , 47 – 49 ), and mixed quantitative and qualitative evaluations were used in 3 (17.6%) ( 46 , 54 , 76 ) studies.…”

“… Graphs displaying (a) the type of knowledge translation (KT) assessment (reflection ( 50 – 53 , 55 – 57 , 75 – 77 ), qualitative evaluation alone ( 45 , 47 – 49 ) and both quantitative and qualitative methods ( 46 , 54 , 76 )), and (b) the elements that the author attributed to KT success (necessity of community involvement ( 46 , 50 , 51 , 56 , 76 ), context ( 45 , 47 , 49 , 53 , 54 ) or both ( 31 , 48 , 51 , 52 , 57 , 75 , 77 )). …”

“…4 b). Involvement of community stakeholders in the original research was described as a contributing factor to the success of integrated KT throughout the research process in 12 (70.6%) studies ( 31 , 46 , 48 , 50 – 52 , 56 , 57 , 75 – 77 ). One study informally reflected that the development of Inuit ownership of the research project seemed to increase KT success ( 56 ).…”