Overview

Abstract (English)

OBJECTIVES: To examine the prevalence, exacerbations and management of asthma among Canada’s Aboriginal populations, and its relationship to socio-economic and geographic factors. STUDY DESIGN: Secondary analysis of a national cross-sectional questionnaire survey. METHODS: Data were collected in 2000 and 2001 through a survey of Aboriginal children and adults residing on- and off-reserve as part of the 2001 Aboriginal People’s Survey (APS). The asthma related outcome variables – physician-diagnosed asthma, attack in past year and regular use of inhalants – were examined in relation to socio-economic and geographic factors such as income, education, housing and location of residence. Statistical analyses were based on weighted univariate and multivariate logistic regressions. RESULTS: The results show variations in asthma diagnosis, attacks and inhalant use across geographic location, socio-economic and demographic characteristics. Geographic location was found to be significantly associated with asthma for both adults and children, with those living in the northern territories, on-reserve or rural locations being the least likely to be diagnosed. Geographic location and Aboriginal identity were also found to be significantly associated with asthma medication use. CONCLUSIONS: While these findings may suggest a “healthier” population in more remote locations, they alternatively point to a general pattern of under-diagnosis, potentially due to poor health care access, as is typical in more remote locations.

Abstract (French)

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