DIETARY ACCULTURATION AMONG THE DOGRIB INDIANS OF THE CANADIAN NORTHWEST-TERRITORIES

The Dogrib Indians of the Canadian Northwest Territories are undergoin g change from a ''traditional'' to a ''modern'' life-style. Such trans itions are often associated with the appearance of previously unknown chronic diseases. This study was undertaken to identify patterns of di etary acculturation that may be associated with the appearance of hype rglycemia and diabetes in a population that currently has low prevalen ce of these conditions. Dietary data were collected from adults (great er than or equal to 27 yr old) using three instruments: a 24-hr recall , a report of intake on a usual winter day, and a food-frequency quest ionnaire. Dietary change apparently involves additions to the diet of non-traditional foods rather than replacement of traditional foods by non-traditional foods. This pattern is especially evident among younge r Dogrib and those residing in the main village. With acculturation, t he macronutrient composition changes from that of a hunting-based diet (high protein, moderate fat, low carbohydrate) to one with relatively more carbohydrate and fat, and less protein. The food frequency quest ionnaire appeared to overestimate consumption of the nontraditional fo od components while accurately estimating the traditional portion of t he diet.