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Peter Bjerregaard

Publications and source records attributed to Peter Bjerregaard.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Gender differences in the association between westernization and metabolic risk among Greenland Inuit.

BACKGROUND: The Inuit have gone through an accelerated process of modernization especially since 1950. Primarily because of the dietary transition, westernisation is expected to influence the Inuit's metabolic risk in a negative way with respect to cardiovascular risk. The aim was to analyze metabolic risk factors among Inuit in Greenland and Denmark and their relation to westernization. METHODS: 1173 adult Inuit participated in a health survey in Greenland and Denmark. The examination included a 75 g OGTT. BMI, waist-to-hip ratio, and blood pressure were measured. P-glucose, s-insulin, lipids and urine-albumin/creatinine ratio were analysed. Westernization was estimated by place of residence and language. RESULTS: The prevalence of the metabolic syndrome was 20.3% among men and 19.5% among women (p = 0.73). The association between the metabolic syndrome and westernization was different for men and women. For men there was an increase in prevalence of the metabolic syndrome with westernization within Greenland, but the variation was less pronounced than the difference between the migrants and the Inuit in Greenland. Age, family history of diabetes, and non-smoking were directly associated with the metabolic syndrome, whereas high physical activity was negatively associated with the metabolic syndrome. For women there was a significant negative association between westernization and the metabolic syndrome among the three population groups in Greenland, whereas the prevalence was not significantly lower among female migrants compared with Inuit women in Greenland. Age, family history of diabetes, non-smoking, and low education were associated with the metabolic syndrome. CONCLUSIONS: The effect of westernization on metabolic risk was different for men and women. For men physical inactivity due to a decrease in subsistence hunting and fishing seems to increase the metabolic risk; for women higher education is associated with a more favorable risk profile.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

Suicide--a challenge in modern Greenland.

The incidence of youth suicides has increased dramatically among the Inuit in Greenland since the modernization started in the 1950s. Suicides currently peak at age 15-24 Men: 400-500, Women: 100-150 per 100,000 person-years. The methods are drastic: shooting or hanging. An early peak was seen in the capital, a later peak in the rest of West Greenland, and high and increasing rates in remote East Greenland. Suicidal thoughts occur more often in young people who grew up in homes with a poor emotional environment, alcohol problems and violence. There is a definite correlation with several aspects of the modernization process but it is hard to pinpoint causal relationships. It is rather the "modernization package" that should be regarded as risk factors for suicides.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2006

Lifestyle modifies obesity-associated risk of cardiovascular disease in a genetically homogeneous population.

BACKGROUND: The association between obesity and cardiovascular disease risk differs across populations. Whether such differences in obesity-related risk factors exist within population groups of the same genetic origin but with differences in lifestyle remains to be determined. OBJECTIVE: The aim was to analyze whether obesity was associated with the same degree of metabolic disturbances in 2 groups of genetically homogeneous Inuit who were exposed to considerable differences in lifestyle. DESIGN: We studied obesity and cardiovascular disease risk factors in a cross-sectional population survey of 2311 Inuit living in Denmark (n = 995) or Greenland (n = 1316). The participants received an oral-glucose-tolerance test. Blood tests were supplemented by structured interviews and anthropometric and blood pressure measurements. RESULTS: The trend in the association between obesity and metabolic effects was not significantly different in the Inuit populations, but the values of several risk factors were significantly different. At any given level of obesity, Inuit residents in Greenland had lower blood pressure and lower concentrations of triacylglycerol and postchallenge plasma glucose and insulin than did the Inuit migrants in Denmark. The trend in the association with obesity categories was different only for HDL cholesterol, with higher concentrations observed in women Inuit migrants in Denmark than in women Inuit residents in Greenland. CONCLUSIONS: The health risk associated with obesity clearly varies within groups of Inuit living in Greenland and Inuit migrants living in Denmark. The findings indicate that lifestyle factors modify the cardiovascular disease risk associated with obesity.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

Research with Arctic peoples: unique research opportunities in heart, lung, blood and sleep disorders. Working group summary and recommendations.

Arctic peoples are spread over eight countries and comprise 3.74 million residents, of whom 9% are indigenous. The Arctic countries include Canada, Finland, Greenland (Denmark), Iceland, Norway, Russia, Sweden and the United States. Although Arctic peoples are very diverse, there are a variety of environmental and health issues that are unique to the Arctic regions, and research exploring these issues offers significant opportunities, as well as challenges. On July 28-29, 2004, the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research co-sponsored a working group entitled "Research with Arctic Peoples: Unique Research Opportunities in Heart, Lung, Blood and Sleep Disorders". The meeting was international in scope with investigators from Greenland, Iceland and Russia, as well as Canada and the United States. Multiple health agencies from Canada and the United States sent representatives. Also attending were representatives from the International Union for Circumpolar Health (IUCH) and the National Indian Health Board. The working group developed a set of ten recommendations related to research opportunities in heart, lung, blood and sleep disorders; obstacles and solutions to research implementation; and ways to facilitate international comparisons. These recommendations are expected to serve as an agenda for future research.

Arctic Regions↗
PubMed2006

Predictions of type 2 diabetes and complications in Greenland in 2014.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to predict the prevalence of type 2 diabetes and the associated burden to the health care system in Greenland posed by diabetic complications by 2014. The predictions were based on changes in demographic variables and obesity. STUDY DESIGN: Projection model based on two cross-sectional population surveys from 1993 and 1999. METHODS: The development in BMI was described and projected to 2014 under two assumptions: 1) distribution of BMI is constant from 1999, and 2) the trend in BMI found in the surveys will continue until 2014. The prevalence of type 2 diabetes was predicted under these assumptions and based on the observed association between BMI and type 2 diabetes. The prevalence of complications was estimated using the 2nd assumption, as was the prevalence of hypertension, dyslipidemia, Ischemic Heart Disease (IHD) and stroke in the non-diabetic population in 2014. RESULTS: The prevalence of type 2 diabetes was not predicted to increase by 2014 under the 1st assumption. It was predicted to increase from 11% to 23% for women, but not for men under the 2nd assumption. Approximately half of the cases of cardiovascular disease and cardiovascular risk factors predicted by 2014 were attributable to diabetes. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of type 2 diabetes was predicted to increase in Greenland, and the number of complications was predicted to double from 1999 to 2014. Both prophylactic and treatment initiatives are needed to deal with the extra burden posed by type 2 diabetes to the Greenlandic health care system in 2014.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

Suicides in the midnight sun--a study of seasonality in suicides in West Greenland.

Greenland is the most extreme of human habitats in regard to annual changes in natural light. From being very low, the rate of suicides in Greenland has increased during the past few decades to be among the highest in the world. Several studies have shown seasonality in suicides with spring or summer peaks, but this has not been previously shown in Greenland. Official data from 1968 to 1995 from West Greenland were pooled. A significant seasonality in the 833 suicides was found using Rayleigh's test, a peak in June and a trough in the winter. Suicides increased during the period, and reached high rates in most age groups, up to 577 per 100,000 person-years in men aged 15-24 years in 1990, and up to 147 per 100,000 person-years in women aged 15-24 years in 1995. Violent methods of suicide were used by 93%. Depression has been reported uncommonly. High alcohol intake and extended periods of light in the summer may contribute to impulsive-aggressive summer suicides.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2005

Urbanization, migration and alcohol use in a population of Greenland Inuit.

OBJECTIVE: To analyse the effects of migration and urbanisation on alcohol intake among a population of Greenland Inuit. STUDY DESIGN: Population-based cross-sectional study of 4,139 Inuit randomly selected from Denmark and four areas of western Greenland. Data collection was based on interviews and self-administered questionnaires. METHODS: The association between different aspects of alcohol intake (quantity of intake, occasional heavy drinking, and the modified CAGE questionnaire) and place of living were analysed using a chi-square test and logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: The population living in Denmark had a higher mean alcohol intake than those living in Greenland. Drinking above the sensible drinking limits (21 drinks per week for men and 14 drinks per week for women; where one drink contains 12 g alcohol) was also more prevalent in the population living in Denmark, whereas a higher proportion of those living in Greenland was abstaining. In contrast to the higher alcohol intake in the population living in Denmark, a higher proportion of individuals with episodes of heavy drinking (binge drinking), was observed in both large and small communities in Greenland. A higher proportion of positive results on the modified CAGE test, measuring alcohol dependence, were also seen in large communities in Greenland. We found no statistically significant differences in alcohol intake between Inuit living in large and small communities in Greenland. When comparing Inuit living in Denmark according to length of stay in Denmark, we found a significantly increase in prevalence of binge drinking with length of stay, while no significant variation with length of stay was found for other alcohol parameters. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that the alcohol intake among Inuit, living in Denmark and in Greenland respectively, differs in relation to total intake, drinking patterns and a measure of alcohol dependence. Whether this may be attributed to urbanization, or to migration, is not clear.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

Experiences from three community health promotion projects in Greenland.

OBJECTIVES AND METHODS: Three community health promotion projects have been implemented in Greenland in the municipalities of Upernavik, Ittoqqortoormiit and Qasigiannguit. Based on project reports and other written material, this paper describes experiences from the three projects and discusses the implications of the differences in project design and organization for potential outcomes. RESULTS: None of the three projects were formally evaluated. They all experienced problems and have only been partially successful in reaching their goals. The Upernavik and the Ittoqqortoormiit projects were organised with strong leadership and a central organisation, whereas the Qasigiannguit project was designed as a community project with population participation in all phases of the project. The two former projects have probably had a greater direct change impact on the community, whereas the latter has strengthened aspects of community capacity building. CONCLUSION: We need to learn more about how to employ the resources of communities, how to achieve better partnerships and how to support people in their efforts in order to secure population participation at all project stages. It is important to build coalitions with broad representation in the community and to secure population participation in order to disseminate the efforts and reach the needs of the whole community.

Community Health Services↗
PubMed2005

Diabetes among Inuit migrants in Denmark.

OBJECTIVES: The study aimed to estimate the prevalence of diabetes and impaired glucose intolerance (IGT) among Inuit migrants living in Denmark, and to compare with findings from Greenland. Further, we analyzed determinants for diabetes and impaired glucose metabolism. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional, population-based epidemiological study. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included randomly selected Inuit migrants in Denmark aged 34 years and above. Diabetes and IGT were diagnosed using the oral glucose tolerance test. Body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference were measured, and blood samples were taken from each subject. Socio-demographic characteristics were investigated using a questionnaire. For comparison, data from the Greenland Population Study were used (n = 917). RESULTS: Of 506 eligible subjects, 256 (51%) participated. Twenty-six subjects had diabetes (10.2%) and twenty-eight had IGT (10.9%). Of those with diabetes, 64% had not been previously diagnosed. The prevalences of diabetes and IGT were not significantly different from those among Inuit in Greenland. Significant predictors of diabetes and impaired glucose metabolism (IGM) were found to be age, waist circumference and physical inactivity. The association between waist circumference and diabetes was significantly stronger among Inuit migrants in Denmark than among Inuit in Greenland. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of diabetes is high among the Inuit migrants in Denmark. However, unlike that reported in most studies, the prevalence was not significantly higher in the migrant population compared with the population of origin.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

Changing living conditions, life style and health.

Human health is the result of the interaction of genetic, nutritional, socio-cultural, economic, physical infrastructure and ecosystem factors. All of the individual, social, cultural and socioeconomic factors are influenced by the environment they are embedded in and by changes in this environment. The aim of the paper is to illustrate the influence of environmental change on living conditions and life style and some of the mechanisms through which such changes affect physical and mental health. The interrelationship between environmental and societal change is illustrated by an example from a small community in Greenland, where changing environmental conditions have influenced fishing and employment opportunities to the extent that the size of the population has changed dramatically. The link between social change and health is shown with reference to studies on education, housing and occupation as well as life style changes. The paper further illustrates the relationship between the rapid socio-cultural and economic change and the health of the population. Psychosocial stress is reflected in problems such as alcohol abuse, violence and suicide, and these factors have been shown in studies on migration and transitions in health to be connected to changes in lifestyle and living conditions.

Acculturation↗
PubMed2004

Indigenous health in the Arctic: an overview of the circumpolar Inuit population.

The health of the Inuit has undergone substantial changes over the past five centuries, as a result of social, cultural, and economic changes brought about by interactions with Europeans. This process was accelerated considerably in the second half of the twentieth century. The incidence of infectious diseases has declined considerably but is still high compared with Western societies. Chronic diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease are on the increase, while accidents, suicides, violence, and substance abuse are of major importance for the pattern of ill health in most Inuit communities. Lifestyle changes, social change, and changes in society and the environment are major determinants of health among the Inuit.

Accidents↗
PubMed2004

Lead sources in human diet in Greenland.

Although blood lead levels have declined in Greenland, they are still elevated despite the fact that lead levels in the Greenland environment are very low. Fragments of lead shot in game birds have been suggested as an important source of dietary exposure, and meals of sea birds, particularly eider, contain high concentrations of lead. In a cross-sectional population survey in Greenland in 1993-1994, blood lead adjusted for age and sex was found to be associated with the reported consumption of sea birds. Participants reporting less than weekly intake of sea birds had blood lead concentrations of approximately 75 microg/L, whereas those who reported eating sea birds several times a week had concentrations of approximately 110 microg/L, and those who reported daily intake had concentrations of 170 microg/L (p = 0.01). Blood lead was not associated with dietary exposure to other local or imported food items.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Common mental disorders among patients in primary health care in Greenland.

INTRODUCTION: There are many indications that mental health in Greenland is endangered and needs more attention. STUDY DESIGN: A two-stage study of the prevalence of common mental disorders among a sample of primary health care patients. METHODS: 376 randomly selected patients from general consultations in two Greenlandic towns were screened with 12 questions from the General Health Questionnaire. From these patients, a sample of 100 patients, including more high- than low-scorers, was interviewed using the SCAN (Schedules for Clinical Assessment in Neuropsychiatry) Present Examination psychiatric interview. RESULTS: Estimated prevalence for the total study population of at least one psychiatric diagnosis was 49.3% (95% CI 39.7-59.0%). Most diagnoses were in the group of anxieties, somatoform disorders and depressive disorders. Many patients had more than one diagnosis. Lack of education and poor proficiency in Danish, as well as growing up in a family with severe alcohol problems, were high risk factors for a psychiatric diagnosis. Patients and physicians seemingly agreed on focusing on physical disorders at the consultation, and only a minority of mental disorders was recognised and treated as such by the physicians. CONCLUSION: Mental disorders are prevalent but not sufficiently recognised and treated among patients in primary health care in Greenland. Their association with social and economic conditions calls for attention from the health services as well as from social and educational institutions.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2004

Can we compare violence data across countries?

OBJECTIVES: The paper aims to explore what knowledge can be obtained about violence through population-based data and additionally, through inter-country comparisons of violence data. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Data on lifetime and 12-month experiences of violence and/or severe threats of violence were obtained from self-administered questionnaires supplementary to nationwide, cross-sectional health interview surveys conducted in Greenland in 1993-94 (N=2,425) and in Denmark in 2000 (N=16,684). The overall response rate achieved for the self-administered questionnaire was 63% (N=1,393) in Greenland and 63% (N=10,458) in Denmark. RESULTS: A comparison of violence data shows that overall, the violence prevalence was significantly higher in Greenland than Denmark. Experienced violence and/or severe threats amongst Greenlandic women was almost as prevalent as amongst Greenlandic men--especially so for severe lifetime violence. This was not the case for the Danish sample. Significantly more Danish men than Danish women reported experienced violence and/or severe threats for all age groups. CONCLUSION: Comparing violence data across countries enables us to describe actual differences in violence prevalence, as well as to highlight potential methodological discrepancies and cultural and gender differences in understanding and, thus, reporting of violence. This knowledge can be implemented in the development and improvement of existing and new prevention strategies.

Denmark↗