Chronic Dis Can
-
Comparative Study
Arthritis in the Canadian Aboriginal population: North-South differences in prevalence and correlates.
Information on arthritis and other musculoskeletal disorders among Aboriginal people is sparse. Survey data show that arthritis and rheumatism are among the most commonly reported chronic conditions and their prevalence is higher than among non-Aboriginal people. ⋯ Aboriginal-specific findings on arthritis and other chronic diseases as well as recognition of regional differences between North and South will enhance program planning and help identify new priorities in health promotion.
-
To compare mortality patterns for urban Aboriginal adults with those of urban non-Aboriginal adults. ⋯ Results from this study help fill a data gap on mortality information of urban Aboriginal people of Canada.
-
It is a sad fact that Canada's Aboriginal people, whether living in rural communities or in urban centers, have a significantly lower life expectancy than non-Aboriginal Canadians.1a The gap in health status of Canada's Aboriginal peoples is a matter of ongoing concern;2 recognizing and understanding the social determinants of health is key to understanding the difference in health status and, in my view, key to achieving success in addressing and correcting this problem. However, it is important to realize that there are unique social determinants for Aboriginal peoples associated with their cultures, histories and colonization, and the current social, economic, political and geographic context.
-
This descriptive study compares rates of high psychological distress and mental disorders between low-income and non-low-income populations in Canada. ⋯ This study helps determine the vulnerable groups in mental health for which prevention and promotion programs could be designed.
-
Toxic air pollutants are continuously released into the air supply. Various pollutants come from chemical facilities and small businesses, such as automobile service stations and dry cleaning establishments. Others, such as nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide and other volatile organic chemicals, arise primarily from the incomplete combustion of fossil fuels (coal and petroleum) and are emitted from sources that include car exhausts, home heating and industrial power plants. ⋯ Recent improvements in statistical methodology use measurements at fixed sites combined with residential histories to estimate individuals' cumulative exposures. They also recognize measurement errors associated with covariates in the analysis to improve estimates of effects. Other challenges include the fact that measurements of exposure and confounders can change over time and long term data are needed due to the anticipated latency interval between harmful exposures and development of cancer.