Document Type

Article

Department

Paediatrics and Child Health (East Africa)

Abstract

Objectives: The purpose of the study is to better understand the scope of research being conducted by Canadian paediatric and maternal health centres on the topic of maternal child health of northern populations. In addition, the results are intended to help assess the prospects for the creation of a research network dedicated to this topic.

Study design: Questionnaire study complemented with review of database.

Methods: Data were collected using a short questionnaire with qualitative and quantitative questions. Surveys were sent by email to members of two Canadian national paediatric groups, representing 17 organizations. Supplementary information was obtained through review of the database for research funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) and by the International Polar Year Program.

Results: Response was limited, with most input coming from academic environments with a strong commitment to research conducted among northern populations. Research focuses included health as well as other disciplines. The definition of “the North” provided by respondents fit generally within the operational definition identified by the researchers.

Conclusions: The topic of maternal and child health is more thoroughly examined among rural and remote populations than specifically among northern populations. The existence of a type of network, the evidence of a lack of inter-institutional communication and the identified need for support lead to the conclusion that a formal research network would be of benefit. Research is already funded by national funding agencies, suggesting that there may be an opportunity to collaborate with a national agency in the development of an appropriate network.

Publication (Name of Journal)

International Journal of Circumpolar Health

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