The health of Cree, Inuit and southern Quebec women: similarities and differences

Using the data from a number of the surveys conducted over the last 10 years by Santé Québec, this study examines the health characteristics of two populations of Aboriginal women of northern Quebec compared to those of women in the rest of the province. The northern populations had a larger proportion of young women. Aboriginal women have heavier family responsibilities than other Quebec women. Inuit women had a much higher prevalence of smoking and drug use. Alcohol consumption was less frequent in northern women, but the quantity consumed was higher compared to other Quebec women. Cree women tended to be more obese, had higher levels of blood glucose and lower levels of cholesterol. Inuit women tended to have lower rates of hypertension and higher rates of declared hearing problems and mental disorders. The similarities and differences observed among these three populations of women can assist decision-makers in setting priorities with regards to maintaining and improving their health.