Using Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit (IQ) to Guide Cervical Cancer Care Among Inuit Communities: Implications from A Scoping Review

Abstract

This thesis is part of a larger research project that aims to use Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit (IQ) in the development of culturally-relevant cervical cancer care among Inuit communities. Specifically, a Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) scoping review was conducted to identify the characteristics of Indigenous healing strategies in Canada, as well as approaches to improving cultural relevance of healing strategies to local Indigenous contexts. Fifty-nine (59) articles were included for extraction, 30 of which were primary studies. A wide diversity of characteristics was identified, including 19 guiding principles, 9 main components, and 11 human resources. Eight (8) culturally-relevant approaches were identified from the 30 primary research studies. Taken together, results from this review support a decolonizing approach through upholding Indigenous knowledge, respecting Indigenous rights to self-determination, and recognizing Indigenous resilience and agency. By aligning scoping review results with the IQ framework, this thesis concluded with implications for future research pertaining to cervical cancer prevention and treatment among Inuit communities.