Search Results (281)

Background/Objectives: Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and Positive Childhood Experiences (PCEs) have fundamentally advanced child health research by demonstrating that early life experiences shape health across the life course. While these frameworks have transformed understanding of trauma, resilience, and child development, they primarily focus on measuring children’s experiences rather than the relationships, systems, and collective responsibilities that create the conditions in which childhood unfolds. This paper proposes Relational Epidemiology as an accountability-oriented expansion of epidemiology and introduces a Childhood Wellness Framework that shifts the scientific gaze from measuring children’s experiences to evaluating the conditions that enable children to thrive. Methods: This conceptual paper integrates epidemiological theory, Indigenous ways of knowing, feminist ethics of care, child development, decolonizing methodologies, and Indigenous rights frameworks to examine the assumptions underlying child-centered approaches to measurement and to develop a relational model of childhood wellness. Results: Relational Epidemiology is presented as a theoretical orientation that expands epidemiological inquiry beyond describing adversity and resilience toward evaluating the relationships, systems, institutions, and policies that shape childhood. The Childhood Wellness Framework operationalizes this approach by organizing childhood around collective responsibilities and the relational conditions necessary for children to flourish. Grounded in Indigenous knowledge systems and illustrated through the experiences of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit children, the framework demonstrates how accountability can become a measurable focus of child health research. Conclusions: Relational Epidemiology extends, rather than replaces, ACEs and PCEs frameworks by shifting the unit of analysis from children’s experiences to the fulfillment of collective responsibilities. The Childhood Wellness Framework offers a conceptual foundation for advancing research, clinical practice, public health, and policy by evaluating not only child outcomes, but also whether societies are creating the conditions necessary for all children to flourish. Full article

Background: Evidence of systematic under-counting of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis (FNIM) populations living in urban centres in Canada has been documented for the previous three census rounds (2012, 2016, 2021). Methods: In partnership with Aboriginal Health and Wellness Centre of Winnipeg, Inc. and the First Nations Health and Social Secretariat of Manitoba, a respondent-driven sampling survey of First Nations and Métis peoples living in Winnipeg was conducted and the population living in Winnipeg was estimated using the multiplier method in conjunction with participants’ responses to census participation. Results: We estimated a population of 300,000 (95% CI 248,000 to 379,000) First Nations and Métis people living in Winnipeg, three times higher than the 2021 Census count of 90,535. Interpretation: The Canadian census continues to systematically undercount Indigenous peoples living in urban centres. Improving the accuracy and precision of Indigenous population enumeration is required for equitable health services funding and delivery. Partnerships with FNIM governing and health service organizations, addition of Indigenous identity to the short form-census participation and coverage, and improved collection methods for people living in collective dwellings or experiencing housing insecurity are recommended. Full article

Wine is a widely consumed beverage and important source of bioactive polyphenols, molecules with well-established health beneficial properties. The winemaking process produces byproducts, such as pomace, seeds and stems, which also comprise a valuable resource for sustainable valorization because of their phenolic content. The study herein concerns the exploitation of Negoska, a rare indigenous red grape variety of northern Greece cultivated in the Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) terroir of Goumenissa. In this context, we investigated various vinification fractions of Negoska, such as grapes, must, wine, pomace, seeds and stems in respect to their content in selected phenols, metabolites’ content and antioxidant properties. The respective results indicated the presence of 34 non-anthocyanin phenolics, which were quantified by LC–MS/MS analysis. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) revealed a clear differentiation in the distribution between the grape fractions and the processed products. In particular, the phenolic compound pattern of Negoska wine was characterized by a high concentration of gallic (69.8 mg/L), caffeic (40.8 mg/L) and p-coumaric (31.1 mg/L) acids, while procyanidin B2 (24.0 mg/L) was among the most abundant compounds detected in wine. In must, procyanidin B2 was the predominant phenolic compound (9.7 mg/L). On the other hand, pomace, stems and seeds were identified as particularly rich reservoirs of various bioactive phenolics, with the molecule of procyanidin B2 representing one of the most abundant compounds in these matrices, reaching concentrations of 83.1–1015.1 mg/Kg DM. The investigated phenolic content fluctuated greatly among the samples investigated with procyanidin B2 and diosmin being the most abundant compounds in dried grapes, luteolin-4′-O-glucoside and diosmin in pomace, procyanidin B2, gallic acid and catechin in seeds, and procyanidin B2, epigallocatechin and luteolin-4′-O-glucoside were the prevailing molecules in stems. These findings constitute the first targeted characterization of selected phenolic compounds and their metabolites’ profiles in Negoska grapes and the respective winemaking fractions, highlighting the potential of this indigenous cultivar and its byproducts to serve as source of valuable bioactive compounds for valorization by the food and cosmetic industries. Full article

Globally, school meals have formed a social safety net for improving children’s nutrition, health, and educational attainment. In Aotearoa New Zealand, government funded lunches for children attending schools in low-income neighbourhoods were introduced in 2020, amidst rising poverty levels and consequent household food insecurity. The aspirations encapsulated within the scheme’s indigenous Māori name, ‘Ka Ora, Ka Ako’ (‘to be well, healthy and safe; to be ready to learn’) have lost focus since reforms to the lunches in 2024 prioritised cost savings, resulting in widely publicised quality issues. This present study draws from a critical multi-level investigation into the issue of hungry children in New Zealand schools, prior to the introduction of ‘Ka Ora, Ka Ako’. Narrative analysis identified how food in schools has been conceptualised within the context of a settler colonial charity model and neoliberal austerity. Applying a critical community psychology lens highlights how burnt and meagre lunches offered to children from food insecure households are a concrete product of historically grounded, unequal relations between groups. A community psychology approach reimagines state-funded food in schools as a public good, arguing for equitable rights to nutrition, including recognition of Māori rights to food sovereignty. Full article

Indigenous grains, such as pearl millet, can contribute to alleviating food insecurity in South Africa and addressing the health and well-being of consumers. Stigmatisation and a lack of consumer knowledge about indigenous grains have been found to stifle the consumption of these grains. Therefore, this study aimed to explore South African consumers’ perceived understanding and experience of pearl millet and the external product attributes that attract their attention and steer them towards purchasing and consuming this indigenous grain. This interpretivist phenomenological exploratory study used a qualitative methodology. Small synchronous online focus groups were used to gather the data. The thematic analyses revealed that consumers are generally perceived as uncertain about and lacking experience in the use and consumption of pearl millet, which results from factors such as product unfamiliarity, a lack of knowledge, the product being overlooked in stores, and various assumptions about the grain. Consumers’ perceived willingness to purchase pearl millet may be influenced by several product attraction indicators, including price, packaging, whether it is produced locally, retailer image, and quality-enhancement attributes, which marketers and product developers in South Africa should use to grow consumer interest. This study contributes towards changing the consumer perceived approach to pearl millet by identifying the factors that hamper and limit the choice of pearl millet consumption. South Africa can ill afford to neglect marketing and improving consumer awareness of pearl millet if the health and well-being of South African consumers are to be improved. Full article

Background/Objective: The Behavioral and Mental Wellness in Indigenous Communities (BMWIC) education program was created to address mental health (MH) resource gaps in the Fort Belknap Community (FBC). Designed to enhance MH literacy, task-shifting capacity, and MH care coordination skills, the FBC partnered with Johns Hopkins School of Nursing (JHSON) to co-develop a culturally aligned MH training program. This protocol outlines the development of the BMWIC curriculum. Methods: Steps 1–5 of the 6-step Collaborative Participatory Adaptation Model (CPAM) guided the development of the BMWIC, including collaboration, review of evidence-based models, cultural adaptation of materials, and the creation of a robust evaluation plan to be conducted. Four courses were ultimately developed on: historical trauma, culturally informed MH screening and care, risk and protective factors and health-related Tribal, state and federal legal jurisdiction in American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities. Discussion: The BMWIC development process serves as a prime example of translating community priorities into an educational intervention through a combination of best practices in health science education with Indigenous ways of knowing (IWK). Targeted training and task shifting, such as through the BMWIC, may have the potential to expand MH-related knowledge and strengthen the capacity of community health systems to identify psychological and behavioral concerns early, coordinate care more effectively, and improve access to MH care and resources at the community level. Conclusions: This protocol may be useful for academic-community partnerships creating culturally informed educational programs across disciplines and specialties in service to Indigenous communities. The next steps will involve piloting and evaluating the curriculum and collaborating with healthcare organizations to determine sustainable pathways for scaling the BMWIC where it is most needed. Full article

Background/Objectives: Evacuation policies for childbirth in Nunavut, Canada, continue to profoundly shape the lives of Inuit women, their families, and communities. The evacuation policy is known to disrupt kinship networks and contribute to the erosion of Inuit birthing knowledge. Addressing a gap in Inuit-led understandings of sexual and reproductive health priorities, this paper presents findings from research conducted in 2024 with Kivallirmiut women (‘People of’ in Inuktitut is miut; Kivallirmiut means people of the Kivalliq Region. Nunavummiut means people of Nunavut, and Arviarmiut means people of Arviat, Nunavut, Canada). The study took place in two communities in the Kivalliq Region of Nunavut. Methods: Employing a highly participatory, community-based Indigenous methodology, this study was underpinned by Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit, Indigenous feminist and postcolonial and decolonial theories, and principles of health equity. Data from a survey were generated to identify needs and priorities related to perinatal health and care. Results: Findings identify that Inuit women in these communities hold an interest in accessing perinatal information and support, with a strong desire for learning from Inuit Elders, as well as support via peer networks. Participants also emphasized a desire for more information concerning travelling for birth (medical evacuation), breastfeeding, and healing after birth. Different models for delivery of this information and perinatal support were also identified. Conclusions: Collectively, the priorities of Inuit women in this survey offer insights concerning a structural misalignment between existing perinatal care supports and services that rely on evacuation-based perinatal care and the needs and priorities within Kivalliq communities. This disconnection reveals enduring colonial assumptions embedded within current healthcare systems. The findings suggest a need for perinatal supports that centre culture, kinship, and relational forms of support. Full article

Planetary health, the interdependence of human well-being and the integrity of Earth’s natural systems requires frameworks capable of integrating ecological stewardship, relational governance, intergenerational accountability, and equitable participation. This paper argues that Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS), long marginalized by colonial policies of suppression and assimilation, offer precisely such frameworks. Drawing on illustrative examples from the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, Amazonian Indigenous nations, Maasai communities of East Africa, the Mapuche of South America, and the first Global Summit on Indigenous Peacebuilding, the paper identifies three interlocking contributions of IKS to planetary health: (1) intergenerational ecological stewardship; (2) relational governance and community-centered peacebuilding; and (3) gender-balanced authority as a condition for flourishing. The paper concludes that the integration of IKS into planetary health scholarship and practice is not an exercise in cultural representation but a strategic necessity for addressing the interconnected crises of ecological degradation, social fragmentation, and institutional short-termism that define the present era. Full article

Staphylococcus aureus (Staph) infections are a pressing health concern in the White Mountain Apache (WMA) Tribal community, where invasive Staph infection rates far exceed those in the general U.S. population. This study explored community perspectives to guide culturally tailored education and prevention strategies. We conducted 42 in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with healthcare providers, traditional practitioners, and community members. Thematic analysis showed that participants had familiarity with the term “MRSA” (methicillin-resistant Staph), although many did not recognize it as a form of Staph, per se. Barriers to timely care-seeking included lack of transportation, stigma, and misconceptions about infection causes. With regard to biomedical approaches to prevention, participants preferred products like antiseptic nasal sprays and antimicrobial skin cleansers due to ease of use. Community members emphasized the need for simple, bilingual educational materials grounded in Apache culture and delivered by trusted figures. The findings underscore the importance of culturally grounded education and prevention approaches. Implementation and scaling of these strategies may enhance health literacy, reduce infection rates, and promote holistic wellness in Indigenous communities. Full article

Across human history, water has sustained communities while also shaping religious imagination as a symbol of life, danger, purification, and renewal. This review examines how water acquires religious meaning through symbolic associations, ritual uses, theological interpretations, sacred landscapes, and material water infrastructures across more than five millennia, drawing on examples from ancient civilizations, long-standing Asian traditions, Indigenous religions of the Americas and the Caribbean, and the three major Abrahamic religions. The study explores how rivers, springs, rain, floods, wells, sacred basins, and ritual waters have been understood as signs of creation, purification, fertility, healing, divine presence, destruction, and renewal, while also remaining part of everyday practices of settlement, agriculture, health, and communal life. The comparative analysis highlights recurring patterns and cultural differences. In some traditions, water appears as a primordial substance from which life emerges; in others, it functions as a medium of moral cleansing, ritual preparation, communal prayer, or sacred geography. The study argues that the religious meaning of water is best understood through the interaction of four closely related dimensions: symbolic interpretation, ritual practice, sacred or culturally charged landscapes, and material water infrastructures. By bringing these dimensions together, the article uses the concept of hydraulic heritage to connect religious water symbolism with sacred basins, wells, springs, hammams, monastic water systems, irrigation rituals, and other inherited water-related landscapes and practices. These connections offer a culturally grounded perspective for contemporary discussions on environmental ethics, water protection, and societies’ responsibility toward natural resources. Full article

Background/Objectives: Excess weight and dyslipidemia are health conditions growing worldwide in children, including indigenous populations. The concern is their related comorbidities, which could appear at an early age. Given limited information on Seri children, this study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of excess weight and dyslipidemia, and to identify factors associated with BMI-for-age Z-score and dyslipidemia. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among Seri children aged 3–11 years. For prevalence analysis, the BMI-for-age Z-score was calculated as an indicator of excess weight. Dyslipidemia was assessed only in school-age children. Information was collected on potential associated variables, including maternal nutritional status, children’s sleep behaviors, physical activity, diet, and cardiovascular health, as well as household characteristics such as the modernity index and food insecurity. Results: A total of 154 Seri children were evaluated. Among preschoolers, 18.8% were classified at risk of overweight. In school-age children, the combined prevalence of overweight and obesity was 32.8%. Maternal BMI and weight, the modernity index, and being a boy were positively associated with the BMI-for-age Z-score, whereas having food insecurity, cardiovascular health score, and sleep time were negatively associated. Dyslipidemia prevalence was 46.1% among school-age Seri children. Having dyslipidemia was positively associated with maternal BMI, percentage of energy intake from ultra-processed products, paternal occupation as a merchant, and child age, and negatively associated with the number of remunerative maternal economic activities. Conclusions: These findings provide evidence on the prevalence of excess weight and dyslipidemia and their associated factors among Seri children and may inform future research and health strategies in Seri and other vulnerable populations. Full article

Cancer represents one of the major public health issues in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), with increasing incidence and mortality rates as a result of late diagnosis, limited healthcare infrastructure, and financial difficulties. Traditional medicine plays an important role in healthcare across different populations in SSA, as more than 80% of the population depend on indigenous plant-based remedies for treating or managing different ailments, including cancer. This study aimed to document medicinal plants traditionally used to treat cancer in SSA. A systematic search of all documents available in the last two decades (2006–2026) was conducted using PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases. After screening studies using the predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria, 55 studies met the eligibility requirements and were selected for analysis based on their relevance to the topic, geographic scope, and reported applications in cancer management. The scientific names of the identified plant species and their taxonomic authorities were verified using the Plants of the World Online database. A total of 556 species, belonging to 110 families, were recorded as medicinal plants used to treat various forms of cancer in SSA. The top five families with the most frequently used plants were Fabaceae (51 species), Asteraceae (34 species), Euphorbiaceae (25 species), Apocynaceae (22 species) and Lamiaceae (22 species). Frequently cited plants include Kigelia africana, Annona muricata, Adansonia digitata, Carica papaya, and Tamarindus indica. A total of 11 plant parts were documented, with leaves (41.20%), roots (18.75%), and bark (17.25%) being the dominant plant parts utilised. The primary methods of preparation were decoction (38.23%), powdering and grinding (14.51%), and infusion and tea preparation (49.73%), while the main modes of administration were oral (66.88%) and topical (26.46%). The results show that traditional medicinal plants hold significant potential as sources of novel anticancer drugs in SSA. However, a significant gap exists between ethnobotanical knowledge, laboratory research, and clinical application. Rigorous pharmacological and toxicity evaluations and well-designed clinical trials on the identified medicinal plants are needed to integrate effective and safe plant-based therapies into evidence-based oncology. Full article

Camel milk is widely consumed in the world’s arid and semi-arid regions because of its favorable nutritional profile and associated human health benefits. The indigenous microbiota of raw camel milk is diverse and composed of different bacterial and fungal groups. This community drives spontaneous milk fermentation, resulting in a variety of traditional products, including Gariss, Shubat, Chal, Dhanaan, Lfrik, and Suusac (or Suusa), depending on geographic region and cultural practice. This fermented milk has improved sensory, nutritional, and health profiles, as well as an extended shelf life, compared to raw milk. Fermentation alters the microbial community structure, with lactic acid bacteria (LAB) consistently becoming dominant, while yeasts and molds are also detected in some products. These patterns have been identified using both culture-dependent and culture-independent approaches, including 16S rRNA gene sequencing and whole-genome shotgun metagenomics. However, the milk’s microbial composition is highly variable and is influenced by the original composition, geographical location, fermentation and hygiene practices. The detection of opportunistic pathogens such as E. coli, Salmonella and Listeria in some traditional products raises important food safety concerns. This review presents current knowledge on fermented camel milk microbiology using a cross-regional approach, identifying key gaps in microbial safety and process standardization to support wider acceptance and potential commercialization. Full article

Background/Objectives: Maternal mortality remains an important indicator of health inequities, reflecting social, regional, and racial inequalities, as well as the responsiveness of health systems. This study aimed to analyze and compare maternal mortality between Brazil and Portugal from 2020 to 2023. Methods: This is a binational ecological and observational study based on secondary data from official records of live births and maternal deaths in both countries. Maternal mortality rates were calculated per 100,000 live births and stratified by sociodemographic and regional variables. Poisson regression models offset by the logarithm of live births were used to estimate adjusted incidence ratios (IRR) and 95% confidence intervals. Analyses were conducted using R and Stata software. Results: Brazil presented rates between 55 and 62 per 100,000 live births, while Portugal maintained lower values, ranging from 8 to 20 per 100,000. In Brazil, higher risks were observed among Black and Indigenous women, residents of the North and Northeast regions, and in age groups above 30 years. Direct and indirect causes showed similar proportions, with an increase in indirect causes during the pandemic. In Portugal, mortality showed low magnitude, but annual fluctuation was attributed to the small number of events and the limitation of microdata. Conclusions: The study highlights strong structural and racial inequalities in Brazilian maternal mortality, contrasting with the lower magnitude and greater stability observed in Portugal. This reinforces the need for intersectoral actions, strengthening the obstetric network, and continuous surveillance to reduce preventable deaths and promote equity in maternal care. Full article

Indigenous Peoples continue to steward their Lands through their traditional ecological knowledge (TEK), their Laws, and their kinship-driven processes as they have for millennia. There are various factors, including climate change, that threaten Indigenous TEK, Lands, and other processes including intergenerational knowledge transfer. Our team carried out a qualitative research study with Indigenous community members to increase understanding of Dene Peoples’ connections with Land, community TEK protection and stewardship, as well as changes in local environments. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with ten participants from the Northwest Territories (NWT), Canada, from December 2024 to February 2025. Coding and reflexive thematic analysis were carried out using qualitative software. Six themes were characterized from the interview data including: (1) intergenerational TEK are central to our ways of life; (2) despite various factors, our communities continue to share TEK across generations; (3) our collective health and healing are tied to our TEK as well as our values; (4) climate change-related threats and damages are impacting our People and the Land; (5) protecting and governing our own data is crucial for preserving our stories and knowledge; and (6) we need to protect Mother Earth for future generations. This study further demonstrates that the protection of Indigenous TEK is deeply important for the overall health and wellbeing of Indigenous Peoples. Additionally, the honouring of Indigenous sovereignty and Land rights is essential to transform current climate change approaches. Full article