The Mohawk people of Akwesasne live in an area of high environmental pollution which appears to be affecting their diet, economy and way of life. Long term exposure to Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are believed to be affecting their physical and psychological well-being. The primary purpose of this study is to examine the extent to which exposure to PCBs as determined by body burden levels and perceived exposure, affect cultural identity and practices, neuropsychological functioning and quality of life. The study also examines the extent to which these factors are related to depression and psychological distress. Thyroid functioning, a secondary biological marker, is also examined since it has been demonstrated that PCBs alter thyroid functioning. In collaboration with the Akwesasne Task Force on the Environment and field staff, effective ways of disseminating research findings to the community will be done.
A cross sectional study of Mohawk adults 18 years of age and older(anticipated n=400) will permit determination of the relationship of PCB exposure and the above factors. Exposure to PCBs is determined by whole blood analysis. Urine samples are collected to determine dopaminergic activity. The analysis of homovanillic acid(HVA), a metabolite of dopamine, is utilized to estimate nervous-system dysfunction in adults exposed to PCBs.
Major depression, depressive symptoms, quality of life, and cultural affiliation are assessed through questionnaires and interviews. A neuropsychological battery is used to determine cognitive, visual-spatial, motoric and olfactory functioning. A variety of statistical methods including multivariate and structural equation models are used as analytic tools.
