Risk factors and chronic conditions among Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal populations.

BACKGROUND

In Canada, the prevalence of behavioural risk factors and chronic conditions differs for Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal populations, but little research has examined changes over time. This study compares several major risk factors and chronic conditions in Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal populations not living on reserves in the North (Yukon, Northwest Territories, Nunavut) and in southern Canada at two time points.

DATA AND METHODS

The data are from cycle 1.1 (2000/2001) and cycle 3.1 (2005/2006) of the Canadian Community Health Survey: 115,990 respondents aged 20 or older, and 118,716 respondents, respectively. Overall, 3.8% of respondents reported Aboriginal cultural or racial background. Crude prevalence estimates, adjusted odds ratios, and bootstrap-derived confidence intervals were calculated for seven risk factors and nine chronic conditions at each time point.

RESULTS

In 2000/2001, Aboriginal people in the North were more likely than those in southern Canada to be obese, smoke daily and have infrequent physical activity, but less likely report a number of chronic conditions. Between 2000/2001 and 2005/2006, the odds of reporting risk factors increased among Aboriginal people in the North, and differences in the prevalence of chronic diseases were less pronounced. Few differences between non-Aboriginal respondents in the North and in southern Canada were observed.

INTERPRETATION

Compared with southern Canada, the profile of health is changing more rapidly for Aboriginal than non-Aboriginal populations in the North, and appears to be worsening for the former.