Diving below the surface: A framework for arctic health research to support thriving communities

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Community Health Research
• Indigenous Health

Background:

• Arctic health research has historically focused on disease and mortality rates.
• This deficit-oriented approach fails to capture the complexity of community well-being and solutions.
• Community context, strengths, and well-being expressions should guide research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a conceptual framework for community-led health and social research in the Arctic.
• To address limitations of traditional epidemiologic indicators in capturing holistic community health.
• To inform research that highlights solutions and promotes thriving communities.

Main Methods:

• The framework is developed from collaborations with circumpolar communities.
• It synthesizes research conducted across the Circumpolar North.
• Encourages investigation into contextual factors that enable community thriving.

Main Results:

• The framework uses an iceberg metaphor: superficial indicators (tip) and deeper contextual factors (below the surface).
• It highlights the need to examine individual, family, social, cultural, historical, linguistic, and environmental contexts.
• A participatory, community-based approach combined with epidemiology is essential.

Conclusions:

• The iceberg framework offers a new conceptualization for circumpolar health research.
• It encourages monitoring epidemiologic indicators while investigating underlying contextual factors.
• This approach supports thriving communities by understanding factors that promote well-being.