Identifiable injuries among Aboriginal Peoples compared to Non-Aboriginal Peoples in the Urban Yukon and Northwest Territories

Abstract

This thesis examines health disparities in terms of identifiable injuries between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal peoples in the far northern regions of Canada. I consider the history of Aboriginal people's relations with non-Aboriginal peoples and begin to survey the possible reasons why health disparities exist between these two populations. The Canadian Community Health Survey (Cycle 1.1) (CCHS) is utilized to examine injury outcomes in the Yukon and Northwest Territories. Bivariate and multivariate regression analysis is utilized to present statistically significant associations between the dependent variable "injured in past 12 months, yes or no" and various independent variables that were deemed to have a possible influence on injuries in the far northern regions of Canada. The research objectives are: 1. To determine the prevalence of identifiable injuries in Yukon and NWT among Aboriginal peoples and non-Aboriginal peoples, in the urban context. 2. To identify risk factors and protective factors contributing to injuries and to identify disparities in risk factors for each group. 3. To place what I find into the historical context and contemporary contingencies of the people in the Yukon and NWT. From the findings of the statistical analysis, profiles were developed regarding a possible predisposition to injury. Based on the results from the cross-tabulation and three-way tables, the groups most likely to experience an injury outcome, in descending order, are: NWT non-Aboriginal; Yukon Aboriginal; Yukon non-Aboriginal; NWT Aboriginal single males, 12-19 and 20-40 years old, who indicated: A) low social support in the categories: Someone To You Help If Confined To Bed; Someone To Take You To Doctor; Someone Who Hugs You; Someone To Help With Meals; Someone To Help Get Your Mind Off Things; Someone To Share Worries and Fears With; Someone Who Understands Your Problem; and Someone To Love You And Make You Feel Wanted. A1) medium social support in the categories: Someone Who Shows Love and Affection; Someone To Help You Understand; Someone To Confide In; Someone Whose Advice You Really Want; Someone To Help With A Personal Problem; and Someone To Do Something Enjoyable With. A2) high social support in the categories: Someone Who Listens; Someone to Give You Advice; and Someone To Have A Good Time With. B) high participation in the exercise categories: Leisure Activity; and Time Spent Walking. B1) medium participation in the exercise category: Time Spent Bicycling. C) problems in the sleep/rest categories: Time Spent Sleeping Each Night (less than 7 hours); Trouble Sleeping Or Staying Awake (trouble sleeping); and How Often Sleep Refreshing (sleep not refreshing). D) Smoking (ever smoked). E) low sense of self-mastery in the categories: Little Control Over Things; and Future Depends On You (disagree). F) high consumption levels in the alcohol categories: How Often Did You Drink Alcohol; How Often More Than Five Drinks On One Occasion; Ever Drunk At Work, School or Caring For Children; and Ever Drink More Than Intended. F1) Age Started Drinking Alcohol (12-19). G) Satisfied with self(not satisfied with self). The literature review indicates that there are historical and ongoing health status disparities between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal populations. The literature review examines how the sociocultural, socioeconomic, and sociopolitical circumstances of Aboriginal peoples may predispose them to negative health outcomes, including a higher prevalence of identifiable injuries compared to non-Aboriginal populations. The notion that all cultures will respond and benefit equally from the same health care strategy has been shown to be misplaced. Various cultures have developed their own concepts surrounding health and well-being and what is required to maintain good health. The recognition of culturally specific health paradigms followed by the development of appropriate health care systems may go a long way in reducing health status disparities between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal populations.