Study explores the traditional knowledge of First Nation children and their perceptions about health, food, and activity
In a study conducted by Dr. Sharma’s student in Alberta Diabetes Institute’s Research seminar was on both quantitative and qualitative analysis of overweight and obesity amongst First Nation children living in an on-reserve Cree community in Alberta.
The qualitative part of her study included exploring the children’s traditional knowledge, perceptions about health, food and activity and to better understand their food and activity preferences.
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In the qualitative study, which included having kids drawing pictures and sorting them into healthy and unhealthy piles, it became evident that the children had a strong identification with their traditional cultures and values. There was a great importance of both traditional foods and their role at cultural events as well as on hunting.
The children often cited their mothers or grandmothers as their source of health information and gained their beliefs from older relatives.
The study shows that among the sample group almost half of the children were obese, and only 36% met the daily step requirements. Traditional food does not seem like it would cause diabetes; I am not certain if there was such a thing as diabetes among Aboriginal people prior to Europeans coming to North America — definitely not at the levels seen today.
The entire news post is here.
