Health reports
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Hospitalizations for ambulatory care sensitive conditions (ACSCs) are potentially preventable, but may be required if these conditions are not managed well. National-level information about ACSC hospitalizations is available for Canada, but not for Aboriginal groups. This study describes ACSC hospitalizations among urban Métis adults relative to their non-Aboriginal counterparts. ⋯ Rates of ACSC hospitalizations were higher among Métis than among non-Aboriginal adults who lived in urban areas. Further research using other data sources is warranted to assess the roles of factors not available for this analysis, such as primary care, co-morbidity, and health behaviours.
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Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) exposure and a history of sunburn are important risk factors for skin cancer. Sunburn is more common among men, younger age groups, and people in higher income households. Sun protection measures also vary by sex, age, and socioeconomic characteristics. Associations between ambient UVR and sunburn and sun safety measures have not been quantified. ⋯ Findings related to sunburn and sun protection were similar to those of previous studies. The association between ambient UVR and women's precautionary measures suggests that information about UVR may influence their decision to protect their skin.
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National data about acute care hospitalization of Aboriginal people are scarce. This study addresses that information gap by describing patterns of hospitalization by Aboriginal identity for leading diagnoses for all provinces and territories except Quebec. ⋯ Hospitalization rates varied by Aboriginal identity, and were consistent with recognized health disparities between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people. Because many factors besides health affect hospital use, further research is required to understand differences in hospital use by Aboriginal identity. These national data are relevant to health policy formulation and service delivery planning.
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Approximately one-third of Canadians' prescription medication costs are paid directly out-of-pocket. This study attempts to determine if out-of-pocket spending greater than 5% of household income on drugs and pharmaceutical products is associated with cost-related prescription non-adherence among people with cardiovascular-related chronic conditions. ⋯ Spending at least 5% of household income on drugs and pharmaceutical products was significantly associated with cost-related prescription non-adherence. Additional data are required to determine if even lower levels of spending put individuals at risk of cost related non-adherence.
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The 10-item Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10) is a short measure of non-specific psychological distress, which has been shown to be a sensitive screen for the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders criteria for anxiety and mood disorders. The scale has yet to be validated as a measure of psychological distress for Aboriginal peoples in Canada. ⋯ Based on the 2012 APS, the total score of the K10 appears to be psychometrically sound for use as a broad measure of non-specific psychological distress for First Nations people living off reserve, Métis, and Inuit.