Publications by authors named "Flora Sapp"
Background: Given the increasing rates of childhood obesity in Alaska Native children and the understanding that the most effective interventions are informed by and reflect the cultural knowledge of the community in which they are implemented, this project sought to gather the wisdom of local Yup'ik and Cup'ik Elders in the Yukon-Kuskokwim region of Alaska around how to maintain a healthy diet and active lifestyle.
Methods: Perspectives were sought through the use of semi-structured focus groups, which were completed in person in twelve communities. All conversations were recorded, translated, transcribed, and analyzed using a qualitative approach, where key themes were identified.
Article Synopsis
- This review highlights recent studies on how dietary changes and nutritional interventions impact the human microbiome across various regions, emphasizing benefits of fiber-rich foods in preventing diseases.
- It shows that disruptions to the microbiome in impoverished areas can lead to chronic malnutrition and underlines the critical role of breastfeeding.
- The findings reveal significant shifts in microbial composition and metabolic products with dietary changes, but point out the need for further research to measure their health benefits more accurately.
Article Synopsis
- - Alaska Native (AN) people have the highest known rate of colorectal cancer (CRC) globally, while rural Africans (RA) have the lowest, suggesting that dietary differences may influence CRC risk through their effect on gut microbiota.
- - A study compared the dietary habits and gut microbiota of healthy middle-aged volunteers from AN and RA, revealing that AN participants had higher fat and animal protein intake, lower fiber, and a distinct microbial composition linked to tumor-promoting metabolites.
- - Results showed that AN individuals had adenomatous polyps and lower butyrate levels, a tumor-suppressive metabolite, alongside higher levels of deoxycholic acid, a tumor-promoting substance; thus, the differing metabolite profiles
Postpartum Tobacco Use and Perceived Stress among Alaska Native Women: MAW Phase 4 Study.
Int J Environ Res Public Health
August 2019
Prior research explored reasons for tobacco use among pregnant Alaska Native (AN) women but did not address the postpartum period. This study followed up with AN women one to three years postpartum who had participated in a prenatal smoking cessation intervention study (Motivate Alaska Women (MAW) Phase 3) and had consented to be re-contacted for future studies. Of 47 eligible women, 32 (68%) participated.
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