Local authorities are responsible for monitoring
the migration of all social and national groups, as well
as their health status. This is necessary for political
and economic reasons, as well as to meet the require-
ments of federal laws which provide social security for
certain population groups, including the indigenous
peoples of the North. However, in the absence of a
unified system for monitoring the health of the
indigenous peoples in Russia, the results of monitor-
ing activities in different administrative territories
often cannot be easily compared*. This situation pre-
sented difficulties when attempts were made to make
comparative assessments of the pilot areas included
in this project. The data obtained were therefore sub-
jected to an independent uniform medical and statis-
tical analysis, prior to the formulation of conclusions.
Chapter 8
The demographic situation
and health status of indigenous peoples
in the project study areas
* The most complete and systematic medical and statistical information relating to the indigenous population is obtained
from the Chukchi Autonomous Okrug (CAO) and the Nenets Autonomous Okrug (NAO), due to the more numerous
population, and the greater social and economic importance of the indigenous peoples in these administrative territories.

---

8.1. The Chukchi Autonomous Okrug (CAO)
Chapter 8
District, both have infact increased slightly (Figure
8.1. The Chukchi Autonomous Okrug (CAO)
8.2). The indigenous population in Anadyrsky District
Political and economic changes in Russia have affected the
has decreased by 17% since 1996, as many of the sub-
demographic situation in the CAO more than in any other
urban dwellers have moved into Anadyr city. However
region. The closure of unprofitable mining enterprises,
in this district, as for everywhere in the CAO, there has
demilitarization, and the destruction of certain social and
been some growth of the indigenous population over
economic structures led to a massive emigration, in par-
the last decade. The indigenous population was at its
ticular of the more recent immigrants, away from the
lowest level during the most difficult years of the recent
CAO. Such major shifts in population interfere with the
economic crisis (1994­1996), but has been growing
evaluation of the natural population dynamics of the new-
since then (Figure 8.3).
migrants, and also prevent an objective evaluation of their
health status. Therefore, comparisons in this section are
limited to the use of demographic and medical data for
the indigenous population of two districts (Anadyrsky and
Chukotsky), as well as for the CAO as a whole.
8.1.1. General demographic situation
The dominant indigenous peoples in the areas of the
CAO studied all belong to the paleoasiatic group and
thus demonstrate a similar level of adaptation to the
Chukotka environment. The only exception to this are
the Chuvans, an indigenous population group arising
from Russian, Chukchi, and Yukaghir origins, which
Figure 8.2. The indigenous population of CAO and study areas, 1992 2002.
emerged in late 18th century in Anadyrsky District. In
the 1980s the group was classified as `Chuva', while
For continued growth of indigenous populations, their
before the census of 1989 they were considered to be
specific age and gender distribution are determining
Chukchi. From Table 8.1 it can be seen that most of the
factors, and must be favourable (Table 8.2). More than
population in the areas studied are Chukchi.
70% of the indigenous people in the CAO are younger
than 40 years of age, while in Arctic Scandinavia as a
As shown in Figure 8.1, the total population of whole, this age group constitutes only 30%.
the CAO has halved in the last 10 years, whilst the pop-
ulation of Anadyrsky and Chukotsky Districts has
decreased by 30­40%.
Over the same period, there have been no significant
changes in the total populations of indigenous popula-
tion, either in the CAO as a whole, or in Chukotsky
Figure 8.3. Rates of population growth (per 1000 persons) of the indigenous popu
lation in study areas in the CAO and the CAO as a whole, compared with that of the
total population of the Russian Federation, 1985 2002.
8.1.2. Death rates of the indigenous population
The death rate for indigenous people in Anadyrsky
and Chukotksky Districts, and in the CAO as a whole,
has not altered greatly from 1986 to the present*.
Before 1994, it exceeded the rate for all of Russia by 10-
50%. More recently, the death rate in Russia has
exceeded that of the indigenous population of the
Figure 8.1. Total population of the CAO and study areas, 1992 2002.
areas studied, and of the whole of the CAO.
Table 8.1.
Ethnicity of northern indige
nous peoples residing in the
areas of the CAO studied,
according to censuses;
population number, and %
(in parentheses).
154
* the observation period in this case and hereafter is based on unpublished information of the Medical Statistics Bureau.

---

Chapter 8
8.1. The Chukchi Autonomous Okrug (CAO)
Table 8.2.
leads to close relatives being deprived of certain
Age and gender distribu
social privileges and subsidies. On the other hand,
tion of indigenous peo
ples of the CAO in cen
the high mortality from diseases of the digestive sys-
sus years, %.
tem, and from parasitic and infectious diseases,
affecting the indigenous population of Chukotsky
District can probably be directly attributed to signifi-
cant changes in the indigenous diet. During recent
years, for various economic reasons, the population
of domestic reindeer in the area has rapidly declined,
and inhabitants of some settlements (such as Uelen)
were forced to switch from a diet based on reindeer
meat to one based on whale fat, and walrus and seal
meat. One of the traditional methods used in pro-
cessing meat of marine animals, is its fermentation in
Due to the small population size of the indigenous peo-
containers (often not suitable for food products) or
ples, infant mortality in the areas studied varies by as
directly in the ground; and it is thought that this
much as a factor of eight. On average, there is no sig-
process may have been responsible for some of the
nificant difference between infant mortality for the two
increase in disease which occurred.
areas studied and for the whole of the CAO over the
past 16 years. However, at the same time, the death rate
of indigenous people in Chukotsky District is more
than twice the average rate for Russia as a whole.
An assessment of available data on infant mortality among
indigenous people, for the period 1991-2001, based on
average data and given the high variation in death rates,
suggests that unfavourable perinatal development may be
affecting infants in Chukotsky District. The death rate
due to this cause is twice as high in this district as that for
Anadyrsky District, and figures for mortality caused by
perinatal pathologies for all indigenous infants exceed
those for the CAO by 40% (Figure 8.4).
Figure 8.5. Main causes of mortality in the indigenous population of the CAO,
1991 2001; mortality rate per 100000.
Abbreviations: CVD ­ cardiovascular diseases, MN ­ malignant neoplasms, RD ­ res
piratory diseases, DDA ­ diseases of digestive system, IPA ­ infectious and parasitic
diseases, TA ­ traumas and accidents, AI ­ alcoholic intoxication, SC ­ suicide.
8.1.3. Morbidity
The Medical Statistics Service of the CAO monitors
morbidity in adults and children according to disease
Figure 8.4. Main causes of infant mortality in the indigenous population,
type (Table 8.3). Specific nosologic types, which follow
1991 2001; mortality rate per 1000 live births.
the International Classification of Diseases, are used
only for the CAO in general, where the indigenous
Primary data on causes of mortality among the indige-
population is identified separately. Within the districts,
nous population in the areas studied and for the CAO
only primary causes of morbidity and sickness in adults
as a whole, also document significant variability in
and children are monitored, although the indigenous
death rates, by as much as a factor of two to three
population is also identified separately.
(Figure 8.5). Also, an analysis of averaged data over a
Figure 8.6.
period of 11 years (1991-2001) suggests that in
Primary morbidity in the
Chukotsky District, there is a greater risk of disease of
indigenous adult population
the respiratory and digestive systems, and also from
in the CAO, 1991 2001.
infectious and parasitic diseases, when compared
with Anadyrsky District and the CAO as a whole. Only
death rates from alcohol intoxication are found to be
greater in the CAO, than in the two study areas. In
part, this may be due to a `sympathetic' attitude of
health personnel in Chukotsky District, when issuing
death certificates to families of those who have died
Figures 8.6 and 8.7 show the distribution of primary caus-
of alcohol intoxication (i.e., attributing death to
es of morbidity for indigenous adults and children in the
other causes). A diagnosis of death from alcohol
CAO. For both groups, respiratory diseases (), consti-
intoxication, apart from causing moral damage, also
tute a major cause of morbidity, followed by traumas and
155

---

8.2. The Taymir (Dolgan Nenets) Autonomous Okrug (TAO)
Chapter 8
Primary morbidity and sickliness in indigenous adults
and children in Chukotsky District is, in general,
greater than that in Anadyrsky District or in the CAO as
a whole, by 15­25 % (Figures 8.8 and 8.9). However,
the correlation between primary morbidity and sickli-
ness in the study areas within the CAO, corresponds to
average correlations for Russia.
Figure 8.9. Reported sickliness, and primary morbidity of indigenous children
in the CAO and the Russian Federation, 1989 2001; rate per 1000 persons, 0 14 years
of age.
Table 8.3. International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related health
8.2. The Taymir (Dolgan Nenets)
Problems (ICD 10), (WHO, 1992).
Autonomous Okrug (TAO)
Whilst a cause of environmental pollution, the eco-
Figure 8.7.
Primary morbidity among
nomically stable and highly profitable enterprises of
indigenous children in the
the Norilsk Industrial Area (NIA), located in Taymir,
CAO, 1991 2001.
also contributes to a relatively higher standard of living
for all population groups in the TAO.
Each month an amount is paid to every person in the
TAO by the NIA, as compensation for the assumed
poisonings in adults (XIX+XX), and infectious and para-
environmental damage. These payments have sub-
sitic diseases in children (I). Diseases of the digestive sys-
sidised social needs and promoted the settlement of
tem (XI) for both adults and children occupy a third
new migrants in the TAO, has and have been a con-
ranking, followed for adults by diseases of urogenital sys-
tributing factor to the positive trends seen in social and
tem (XIV), and for children, diseases of the skin and sub-
economic development of the indigenous communi-
cutaneous tissue (XII), and then traumas (XIX+XX).
ties in the TAO.
8.2.1. General
demographic situation
Due to the small number of indigenous peoples resi-
dent in the region, assessment of the general demo-
graphic situation and health status of this population
group by the Health Directorate of the TAO
Administration, occurs mainly at the TAO level.
However, to assist the needs of social and economic
development in Khatanga District, the Central District
Hospital regularly collects medical and demographic
Figure 8.8. Reported sickliness, and primary morbidity of the indigenous adult
population in the CAO and the Russian Federation, 1989 2001; rate per 1000 persons
data, mainly regarding natural migration of the indige-
over 15 years of age.
nous population.
Table 8.4.
Population of the the TAO,
and Khatanga District, thou
sands of people, 1993 2002.
*total population including
indigenous population
156

---

Chapter 8
8.2. The Taymir (Dolgan Nenets) Autonomous Okrug (TAO)
As in the CAO, over the past 10 years there has been no
The reproductive potential is demonstrated by the fre-
significant reduction in the indigenous population of
quency of births among women of child-bearing age
the TAO, although the total population of the TAO has
(Table 8.6). In the TAO in general, over the past seven
declined (Table 8.4). In fact, the number of indigenous
years, women from the indigenous population groups
people has increased in the area studied, the whole of
gave birth twice as often as women from the non-indige-
Khatanga District, and in the TAO in general.
nous population. However the situation in Khatanga
District is different. In some years (1997 and 2001),
The indigenous population of the TAO consists of various
women from the new migrant population increased their
peoples (Figure 8.10). Dolgans constitute more than half
birth rate, and surpassed that of indigenous women.
of the indigenous population in the Khatanga District.
This is a relatively new inter-ethnic group, of Russian,
Yakut, and Yukaghir origin, which emerged in the 18th
century. The Nenets, who accomplished their long migra-
tion from south-eastern Asia to the Far North in the 14th
century, form a further third of the population.
Paleoasiatic groups, of which the Nganasans are the most
numerous, form 13% of the indigenous population.
Figure 8.10.
Distribution of the indige
nous population in the TAO
by ethnic group, 2002.
Table 8.6. Birth rate, per 1000 women of child bearing age, for the TAO
and Khatanga District, 1996 2002.
As shown in Table 8.5, the age and gender structure of
the indigenous population of the TAO is generally sim-
ilar to that of the CAO. However, certain changes have
taken place over the past 13 years. The number of eld-
erly people has almost doubled; with twice as many
women as men in this age group. The proportion of
children (under 16 years) has decreased, and that of
adults (16-59 years) increased.
Figure 8.12. Death rates, per 1000 persons, of the indigenous and general
population of the TAO, 1986 2002.
Figure 8.11. Birth rates, per 1000 persons, of the indigenous and general
population of the TAO, 1986 2002.
The birth and death rates of the indigenous popula-
tion, both in the TAO in general, and in Khatanga
Figure 8.13. Rates of population growth (per 1000 persons) of the indigenous and
District, exceed those of the more recently arrived
general population in the TAO, and Khatanga District, 1987 2002.
immigrant population (Figures 8.11 and 8.12). Unlike
the situation for Russia in general, the combined
8.2.2. Death rates of the indigenous population
trends in birth and death rates has ensured the growth
The annual death rate in Khatanga District for both the
of both the indigenous and the non-indigenous popu-
general population and for indigenous peoples varies
lations in the TAO (Figure 8.13).
significantly, due to the small size of the community
Table 8.5.
Age and gender distribution
of indigenous peoples of the
TAO; number in category at
year end, absolute figures
and percentage (in parenthe
ses).
157

---

8.2. The Taymir (Dolgan Nenets) Autonomous Okrug (TAO)
Chapter 8
(Figure 8.14). However their levels are within the range
of annual rates for the total TAO population and for the
indigenous population in this Okrug. During the peri-
od of study, the death rate of indigenous people in the
TAO, who represent 18% of the population of the TAO,
was twice as high as that of the general population.
The death rate for the total population in Khatanga
District over the period 1987­2001, on average, differed
only slightly from the rate for the indigenous population
(Figure 8.14). As the indigenous population constitutes
only 28% of the total population of the district, this sug-
gests that the death rate of the new migrant population
is similar to that of the indigenous population.
Table 8.7. Infant mortality, rate per 1000 live born, in the TAO and Khatanga
District, 1996 2002.
In the period 1983-1987 the ranking of disease cate-
gories for the indigenous population of the TAO was as
follows: traumas and poisonings, neoplasms, blood cir-
culation diseases, infectious and parasitic diseases and
diseases of digestive system. In the following five years,
diseases associated with `western civilization', such as
blood circulation pathologies, became more important,
while neoplasms, and traumas and poisoning were lower
in the ranking. Alcoholic intoxication and suicides con-
Figure 8.14. Death rates, per 1000 persons, of the indigenous and total population
tinued to be more frequent causes of death than diseases
of the TAO, and Khatanga District, 1987 2001
of the digestive system and respiratory organs.
Assessment of infant mortality (Table 8.7) shows simi-
The decrease in deaths of indigenous people, from
lar death rates of indigenous children living in
cancer (an environmentally-conditioned pathology),
Khatanga District and indigenous children in TAO.
can be explained by the end of endemic oesophageal
However infant mortality rates among general popula-
cancer reported for Taymir, Yakutia and Chukotka up
tion in Khatanga District and TAO are 1.5 times lower
to 60­70s.
than among natives. Assessment of the health status of
the new migrant population is beyond the scope of this
The TAO population as a whole (which consists of over
project. However any further research in this area
80% non-indigenous groups) shows a different trend.
should also consider the state of health of the new
There is an increase in blood circulation diseases and
migrant population of Khatanga.
cancer (which doubled in 1993­1997 compared to
1983­1987). The death rate from other causes, howev-
Data in Table 8.8 shows the changes in causes of death
er, remained unchanged.
over the last 15 years for the indigenous population
and for the total TAO population. The ranking of the
The low level of death from cancer in the TAO as a
main categories of disease, as reflected by the death
whole, compared to that of the indigenous popula-
rate, has changed over time.
tion deserves special note. It could be explained by
Table 8.8.
Death rate, per 1000 people,
for the indigenous and (in
parentheses) total population
of the TAO, 1983 1997.
*the period is limited to pre
1997 due to the introduction
of a new form of Russian
Passport, which no longer
identifies the 'ethnicity' of
the holder. Medical death
certificates and the Civil
Registry Act are now based
on the information contained
in the passport.
158

---

Chapter 8
8.3. The Nenets Autonomous Okrug (NAO)
the fact that the non-indigenous population are able
According to data from the Khatanga Central Hospital
to leave Taymir and return to their homeland for can-
(Figure. 8.16), the ration "primary morbidity/sickli-
cer treatment, and that some die there, rather than in
ness" is similar for TAO and Khatanga District both for
Taymir.
general and indigenous population. Primary morbidi-
ty and sickliness are the highest among natives of
8.2.3. Morbidity
Khatanga District.
There has been an ongoing growth trend in morbidity
over a period of 12 years in the Khatanga District pop-
ulation and the TAO as a whole (Figure 8.15), and the
indigenous population has been particularly affected
by this change.
Figure 8.16. Reported sickliness, and primary morbidity for the indigenous
and general population in the TAO, and Khatanga District, 1991 2002; rate per
1000 persons.
8.3. The Nenets Autonomous Okrug (NAO)
Figure 8.15. Reported morbidity, per 1000 persons, for the indigenous and general
population of the TAO, and Khatanga District, 1991 2002.
8.3.1. General demographic situation
Data for the last three years (Table 8.9) shows that for
The social and economic situation in the NAO is sig-
most types of disease, the morbidity rate of the indige-
nificantly affected by the gas and oil industry, in which,
nous population is higher than that of the population
trans-national private companies are involved. Living
in general. This does not, however, apply to blood or
standards in the NAO are lower than in the CAO and
endocrine disorders, blood circulation problems, or
the TAO. The indigenous population in the NAO is
eye diseases.
officially represented only by Nenets, there being no
other indigenous peoples resident there.
Respiratory diseases are the most frequent health prob-
lem for all population groups, followed by diseases of
More than 50% of the so-called new-migrant popula-
the digestive system, traumas and poisonings, and dis-
tion in the NAO consists of Russian immigrants from
eases of the urogenital system. The high rates reported
the Archangelsk Oblast and the Komi Republic. The
for eyes, are because applications are often made for
new-migrants are as numerous as the Nenets, and have
laser correction.
adopted a lifestyle largely similar to that of the indige-
nous population.
Since it is more difficult for the indigenous popula-
tion (which includes reindeer-breeders, hunters, etc.)
Figure 8.17 shows the impact of migration processes on
to visit an ophthalmologist, reported morbidity relat-
the NAO population. During the period of economic
ing to `eye diseases' for the indigenous population is
and social changes, from 1990-1998, there was a clear
lower.
reduction in the non-indigenous population, however,
Table 8.9.
Total reported morbidity,
per 1000 people, for the total
and (in parentheses) indige
nous population of the,
2000 2002.
*per 1000 women aged
15 49 years.
159

---

8.3. The Nenets Autonomous Okrug (NAO)
Chapter 8
total population and grew until 1989. However, despite
achieving an optimal age and gender structure for
reproduction, the birth rate of the Nenets population
has since halved in the period 1981-2002 (see Figure
8.18). The dynamics of the birth rate for the total pop-
ulation of the NAO is similar, but the birth rate for this
group is 30-50% lower than that of the Nenets.
Figure 8.17. The indigenous and general population of the NAO, 1970 2002;
annual average population figures in thousands.
the situation has stablised and there is now a general
trend of population growth. The indigenous popula-
tion (Nenets) constitutes about 17% of the total popu-
lation of the NAO and does not significantly affect
Figure 8.19. Death rates, per 1000 persons, of the indigenous and general popula
either the demographic or medical statistical indices.
tion of the NAO, 1981 2002.
Therefore, albeit based on certain assumptions, the
authorities responsible for medical statistics in the
NAO, when evaluating the health status of the indige-
nous population, refer to the population of the NAO in
general. The age and gender structure of the Nenets
population, show a clear dominance of younger age
groups (Table 8.10)
Figure 8.20. Rates of population growth (per 1000 persons) of the indigenous
and general population of the NAO, 1981 2002.
Unlike the birth rate, the death rates of the total NAO
population and the Nenets do not differ significantly,
and even coincide for some years. (Figure 8.19). The
high birth rate, together with a death rate which is not
significantly above the average for the NAO, has
ensured that the Nenets, unlike the total population,
have seen a constant, albeit decreasing population
growth since 1981 (Figure 8.20).
8.3.2. Death rates of the indigenous population
Table 8.10. Age and gender distribution of the Nenets population in the NAO;
number in category, and percentage of the total for the age or gender group concerned
The general death rate for the total NAO population
(in parentheses).
and for the Nenets in particular has varied in recent
years, within the limits of the average Russian rate,
however, for both groups there is a trend towards an
increase in death rate since the early-1990s.
Infant mortality for both groups, by comparison, was sig-
nificantly higher than the average for Russia as a whole,
and for the Nenets population the rate was more than
Figure 8.18. Birth rates, per 1000 persons, of the indigenous and general
population of the NAO, 1970 2002.
Despite the current age structure, there is an obvious
trend towards `ageing'. Over two decades (between the
censuses of 1970 and 1989), the proportion of children
decreased, whilst the aged population increased, with a
significant predominance of women. The 20-39 year-old
age group, which is mainly responsible for reproduc-
Figure 8.21. Infant mortality, per 1000 live births, in the indigenous and general
tion within the population, constituted one third of the
population of the NAO, 1981 2002.
160

---

Chapter 8
8.3. The Nenets Autonomous Okrug (NAO)
twice as high (Figure 8.21). Infant mortality among the
of all deaths, while the percentage due to traumas and
Nenets as a result of perinatal pathologies and congenital
poisonings, and alcoholic intoxication were relatively
anomalies is significantly higher than infant mortality in
unchanged (16% and 14%, respectively). Between
the NAO population in general (Figure 8.22).
1997 and 2001, the number of deaths in the indige-
nous population caused by blood circulation diseases
was 3.7 times greater than the number registered in the
period 1982-1986.
Figure 8.24.
Causes of mortality in the
Nenets population of the
NAO, 1997 2001; %.
Figure 8.22. Main causes of infant mortality in the indigenous and general
populations of the NAO, 1990 2002; rate per 1000 live births.
The death rate due to respiratory diseases and infec-
tious diseases amongst Nenets infants also exceeds that
for the Okrug in general.
The causes of death in the Okrug, and especially in the
Nenets population have changed significantly over the
last 20 years. From 1982 to 1991, the most frequently
reported causes of death for the general population in
the Okrug were blood circulation diseases, followed by
traumas and poisonings, and alcoholic intoxications
Over the past 20 years, along with the overall increase in
(Table 8.11). During the same period, for the indige-
death rates in both the indigenous and general NAO
nous population, traumas and poisonings and alco-
populations, in addition to the increase in blood circu-
holic intoxication were the most frequent causes of
lation pathologies, these groups have also experienced
death, while blood circulation diseases took third place
more deaths from infectious diseases and diseases of the
in the ranking. The percentage of each of the three
digestive system. Over the same period, the level of
causes was, however, very similar (Figure 8.23). In the
deaths caused by neoplasms, traumas and poisonings,
following 10 year period, however, causes of death
alcoholic intoxication, and suicides has remained stable.
among the indigenous population are very different
(Figure 8.24). Blood circulation diseases caused 42%
8.3.3. Morbidity
Reported morbidity levels (including those of chil-
Figure 8.23.
dren) show an even clearer increasing trend than that
Causes of mortality in the
Nenets population of the
for death rate (Figures 8.25 and 8.26). Since 1994, this
NAO, 1982 1986; %.
tendency has been stronger for the general Okrug pop-
ulation than for the indigenous population.
Figure 8.25. Reported morbidity, per 1000 persons, for the indigenous and general
population of the NAO, 1970 2002.
Table 8.11.
Death rate, per 1000 people,
for the Nenets and (in paren
theses) total population of
the NAO, 1983 2002.
161

---

8.4. Murmansk Oblast
Chapter 8
Compared to 1990, by 2000-2002 there was a significant
increase in reported morbidity in the indigenous pop-
ulation for almost all types of pathologies, in some
cases by as much as a factor of five (Table 8.12).
However, reported morbidity relating to infectious and
parasitic diseases, mental disorders, and pathologies of
the nervous system decreased.
Respiratory diseases (38%) are the commonest report-
Figure 8.26. Child morbidity for the indigenous and general population of the NAO,
ed illness (Table 8.13), followed by traumas and poi-
1970 2002; rate per 1000 persons, 0 14 years of age.
sonings (8%), diseases of the digestive system (7%),
blood circulation, and skin problems (6%), and dis-
ease relating to the urogenital system and muscu-
loskeletal system (5%).
8.4. Murmansk Oblast
Murmansk Oblast is the most industrially developed,
militarised, and densely populated region of the
Russian Far North. Indigenous peoples constitute
only 0.2% of the total population, and about 50% of
these reside in concentrated settlements in the
Lovozero area. State statistics authorities monitor
only the general demographic processes, and social
and economic aspects of life of the indigenous popu-
lation of Lovozero. Due to the small size of the
indigenous population, the Medical Statistics Office
does not report on, or assess health indices of indige-
nous peoples. However, Medical Research Centres in
the Russian Federation and in the neighbouring
Nordic countries do conduct such research under the
auspices of a number of federal and international
programs.
8.4.1. General demographic situation
The population of the Lovozero area amounts to 13500
people, of which 3500 live in villages, including about
1000 indigenous peoples and 1200 Komi-Izhem, whose
lifestyle is similar to that of the indigenous population.
The current assessment compares the demographic
and medical conditions of the indigenous population
Table 8.13. Reported morbidity, per 1000 people, of the Nenets population
and the rural population in general.
in the NAO as a percentage of the total morbidity.
*per 1000 women aged 15 49 years.
Table 8.12.
Reported morbidity, per
1000 people, of the Nenets
population in the NAO.
*per 1000 women aged
15 49 years.
162

---

Chapter 8
8.4. Murmansk Oblast
Figure 8.27. Birth rates, per 1000 persons, of the indigenous and total rural
Figure 8.28. Death rates, per 1000 persons, of the indigenous and total rural
population of the Lovozero area, 1982 2002.
population of the Lovozero area, 1982 2002.
Table 8.14.
The indigenous population
in rural areas of the
Lovozero District, 2001.
From 1973-1996, the general rural population varied
within a range of 4500-4800 people. However, as a
result of difficult economic conditions in 1997, a
process of emigration began, and by 2003 the rural
population totalled only 3800 people.
Figure 8.29. Population dynamics of the indigenous and total rural populations
The indigenous peoples are represented in the area by
of the Lovozero area, 1982 2002; rate of change per 1000 persons.
the Saami (920 individuals) and Nenets (121 individu-
als) (Table 8.14). Their population has not altered sig-
The frequent scientific and medical surveys of the
nificantly for several decades.
indigenous populations of Lovozero and Krasno-
shchelje are a cause of concern for these indigenous
Figures 8.27 to 8.29 show the natural dynamics of the
peoples. Recently, death from cancer has become more
rural and indigenous populations. Birth and death
frequent in Krasnoshchelje village. Given the attention
rates document an apparent process of depopulation
paid by scientists to health of the indigenous popula-
for both groups.
tion, most local people attribute this increase to the
poor local environmental situation.
8.4.2. Death rates of the indigenous population
The death rates for the total rural population and
the indigenous population are reasonably similar
(Table 8.16). However, rates of death from blood cir-
culation and respiratory diseases, as well as traumas
and poisoning are exceptions to this situation.
Blood circulation diseases are the most frequent
cause of death in the total rural population, but only
after 1998 did the death rate from this pathology
among the indigenous population become equal to
that of the total rural population. The reasons for
the continuing higher frequency of deaths in the
case of indigenous peoples, from respiratory dis-
Table 8.15. Age and gender distribution of the indigenous population of the
eases and external influences (such as accidents) are
Lovozero area; number in category, and percentage of the total for the age or gender
obvious, and include frequent overcooling and pro-
group concerned (in parentheses).
longed intensive physical activity in a cold environ-
The age and gender structure of the indigenous popu-
ment, accompanied by the use of weapons, small
lation (Table 8.15.) shows the dominance of younger
boats, etc. An exception to this situation occurred,
age groups, which should potentially guarantee popu-
however, during the period 1993-1997, which coin-
lation growth. However, some, as yet, unidentified fac-
cided with significant changes in the economic,
tors are exerting a negative impact on this process.
social and political system in Russia.
163

---

8.5. Conclusions
Chapter 8
Table 8.16.
Death rates, per 1000
people, for the indigenous
and (in parentheses) total
rural population of the
Lovozero area, 1983 2002.
8.4.3. Morbidity
The financial and economic crisis of the 1990s led to
Data on reported morbidity and the primary classification
massive emigration of the non-indigenous population
of pathologies in 2002 are shown in Figure 8.30 and Table
from the Northern regions, which resulted in a reduc-
8.17. Population morbidity suggests that the indigenous
tion in the total population of some of the areas stud-
peoples residing in Murmansk Oblast form an integral
ied. At the same time, the indigenous populations of
part of Kola population, as all three population groups
all 4 regions have not undergone significant changes
when compared show similar morbidity structures.
over the past 10 years, these populations remaining
essentially stable over the past 20-30 years.
Some discrepancies do occur between the groups being
compared, in the level of morbidity from certain kinds of
The age structure of the indigenous populations in the
pathologies, as shown in Table 8.17. Thus, the frequency
regions studied, is characterized by a high percentage
of diseases of the endocrine system, skin and subcuta-
of young people; in all regions, age groups below 40
neous fibre, as well as of infectious diseases is significantly
years constitute about 70% of the indigenous popula-
higher in Murmansk Oblast in general than in the
tion, while those over 60 years old represent less than
indigenous population. On the other hand, the indige-
10%. This is common for northern indigenous popu-
nous population is more prone to diseases of the respira-
lations, where life expectancy does not exceed 50 years.
tory system, the nervous system, and trauma resulting
Age structure in Arctic regions is affected by many fac-
from external factors. By comparison, the rural popula-
tors, both internal and external; among the most
tion of Lovozero shows intermediate values for all indices.
important are genetic pre-conditioning, and the attri-
tion of physical health brought about by exposure to
8.5. Conclusions
the severe climate and lifestyle.
An analysis of the demographic and health status of the
indigenous population in four regions of the Russian
The birth rate of the northern indigenous peoples is
Arctic shows notable similarities between Chukotka,
higher than the average rate for the Russian
Taymir, Lower Pechora, and the Kola Peninsula.
Federation, however differences appear when com-
Despite ethno-genetic, social and economic differ-
paring the various areas in the study. Whilst the birth
ences, the populations of the areas studied, show gen-
rate in Chukotka has been about 15-60 births per 1000
erally similar population dynamics, age and gender dis-
people for the last 10 years, (compared with 8-17 for
tribution, death and birth rates, and morbidity.
the Russian Federation), and 18-27 per 1000 for
Table 8.17.
Population morbidity, per
1000 people, in the Murmansk
Oblast, and the Lovozero area,
2002.
*per 1000 women aged
15 49 years.
164

---

Chapter 8
8.5. Conclusions
Figure 8.30. Primary morbidity of the indigenous and total rural population of the Lovozero area, and in Murmansk Oblast, 2002.
Taymir; in the Lower Pechora area, the birth rate has
An analysis of spatial and temporal aspects of cancer
decreased over the past 20 years by 33% (from 30 to 20
prevalence shows that in the western part of Russian
per 1000), and in the Lovozero area by 40% (from 20-
Arctic (i.e. the Kola Peninsula and the NAO) deaths
12 per 1000).
caused by cancer were significantly less frequent than in
the eastern areas (the TAO and the CAO).
The death rate of indigenous people in the areas stud-
Furthermore, deaths from cancer in the NAO during
ied has varied between 10 and 20 per 1000 people over
this period, were less frequent than in Russia as a whole.
the past 20 years, which corresponds to the average
The highest indices registered were in Taymir and
Russian rate. Infant mortality for all areas studied was
Yakutia, which were the areas least polluted by the radi-
30-60 cases per 1000 live-births, which is greater than
ation. An analysis of death rate dynamics due to neo-
this index for the Russian Federation as a whole (15-20
plasms, shows stable levels over 30 years of monitoring
cases per 1000 liver-births).
for all western areas (Murmansk Oblast, the NAO, and
the Republic of Komi) and also for the CAO. The grad-
The relationship between birth and death rates has
ual increase in indices in western areas corresponds to a
determined population growth in Chukotka and
general tendency for the development of cancer, com-
Taymir, while in the Lower Pechora area, population
mon to all regions and to Russia in general. The dynam-
size remains unchanged, and is decreasing in the
ics in Taymir are slightly unusual, as in 1960-1975
Lovozero area. From this perspective, the population
deaths from cancer amongst the indigenous population
dynamics of the Nenets people are a cause for concern,
exceeded the average Russian rate by 3.5-4 times, while
whilst the population of the Kola Saami shows a clear
in 1975-1980s, the indices suddenly halved.
tendency towards extinction.
Deaths from cancer in the areas studied, were mainly
In all areas studied, `external causes', such as traumas,
caused by tumours in the oesophagus, stomach, and
accidents, and suicides, continue to be as important
lungs. These three types accounted for more than 80% of
among the causes of death as they were 20-30 years ago.
deaths caused by neoplasms in 1960 in the Lovozero
Alcoholic intoxication is, however, often the main under-
area, and for more than 60% in the NAO. By the end of
lying factor leading to death from other 'external causes'
1980s, these figures were 40% and 50%, respectively.
among the indigenous populations of the Russian North;
Oesophageal growths were, until 1980, the local
frequent consumption of large amounts of alcohol is
`Northern pathology'. In the 1960s, nearly one half of all
common in these populations. Taken together, the four
tumours among reindeer-breeders in the Lovozero area
above-mentioned causes of death are responsible for
were in the oesophagus. By the late-1980s, this percent-
about 50% of all deaths in the areas studied.
age had reduced by nearly 5%. In the NAO, the percent-
age of oesophageal growths has remained relatively sta-
Cardiovascular disease, which is the main official cause
ble over the 30 years of monitoring, at 15-30%. Today,
of death in the TAO and the Kola Peninsula, and the
oesophageal cancer occurs only occasionally, both in
second most important in the CAO and the NAO, is
Northern areas and in the Russian Federation in general.
also frequently related to the excessive consumption of
alcohol. Respiratory diseases, and neoplasms rank
Morbidity and sickliness among the indigenous popu-
below external causes and blood circulation diseases,
lation is typical for the areas studied. Prevailing dis-
as the most common causes of death.
eases are respiratory diseases (up to 30-40% of all dis-
eases), traumas, eye diseases, cardiovascular
The high level of cancer, seen in the indigenous popu-
pathologies, and diseases of the digestive system and of
lations of the Far North in the 1960-1970s (twice as high
the urogenital system.
as in the USSR in general), have not been satisfactorily
explained. Some researchers have associated the high
An increase in sickliness (reported morbidity) is com-
level of cancer pathologies with the increased exposure
mon for all areas studied, and can be attributed to a
to radiation experienced by reindeer-breeders, as a
number of factors, including greater awareness and
result of nuclear weapon testing in Novaya Zemlya.
accessibility to medical treatment.
165

---