Integrating Inuit Knowledge Principles in Multi-Level Mental Health Clinical Trials

Depression, Anxiety

Inuit, Country Foods, mental health, depression, anxiety, food sovereignty, cultural identity, community wellness, Indigenous health, Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit (IQ), social cohesion

This study is looking at how eating more country foods affects mental health among Inuit men and women in Arviat, NU. The goal is to evaluate if eating more of these foods helps people feel less depressed or anxious, and whether being part of food-gathering and cultural activities also makes a difference. Whether the positive effects last over time, and if getting access to these foods later (instead of right away) still helps people feel better, will also be assessed.

The primary objective of this study is to evaluate the feasibility, cultural acceptability, and potential mental health impacts, measured using PHQ-9 as part of a multi-level intervention (MLI) that integrates country foods, community wellness practices, and clinical care. Specifically, the intervention aims to: Improve mental health outcomes: Increased access to country foods is hypothesized to reduce depression and anxiety. Strengthen cultural identity: Community-led wellness activities are expected to enhance cultural identity and community cohesion. Enhance food sovereignty: Addressing systemic barriers can improve access to country foods and support culturally relevant healthcare. Promote continuity of care: Integrating culturally grounded interventions into care plans can improve patient outcomes and overall wellness. Secondary objectives include assessing the role of Elders in transferring cultural knowledge, identifying systemic barriers to accessing country food, and evaluating the integration of IQ principles into clinical systems. Elders are expected to facilitate social cohesion and transfer cultural knowledge, which are vital for community resilience. Policy recommendations will be explored to address systemic barriers, while the intervention's findings will inform clinical care plans to promote culturally relevant healthcare. Ultimately, this research aims to develop community-based, culturally aligned solutions that promote resilience, improve health outcomes, and support Inuit self-determination. This study aims to create sustainable pathways for wellness and food sovereignty in Inuit communities by addressing historical injustices and systemic inequities. Research Question(s): This study is guided by the following research questions: How does increased access to country foods influence individual mental health outcomes, including anxiety, depression, emotional well-being, and resilience? How do community-driven food-gathering activities enhance social cohesion, cultural identity, and collective mental health within Inuit communities? What structural, systemic, and environmental barriers restrict access to Inuit country foods, and what specific policy interventions can effectively address these barriers to promote sustainable food security and mental health improvements? How do land-based and country food wellness programs integrate holistic approaches to address biological, psychological, social, and cultural determinants of mental health? What role do interdisciplinary collaborations and culturally relevant care practices play in improving access to country foods and fostering mental health equity in Inuit communities? Hypotheses: Increased access to country foods will improve mental health outcomes, including reduced depression and anxiety. Community-led wellness activities will strengthen cultural identity, social bonds, and cohesion. Access to country foods will help address systemic barriers and enhance food sovereignty while supporting culturally relevant healthcare. Integrating culturally grounded interventions into care plans will improve continuity of care and patient outcomes.

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