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Disability among Canada's aboriginal peoples in 1991
E Ng1
1Health Statistics Division at Statistics Canada, Ottawa.
Health Reports
|January 1, 1996
Summary
Aboriginal Canadians experienced significantly higher disability rates in 1991 compared to the general population. Older Aboriginal individuals faced greater disability severity and need for assistance, impacting future healthcare demands.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Sociology
- Gerontology
Background:
- In 1991, Aboriginal adults had substantially higher disability prevalence (31%) than the overall Canadian population (13%).
- Disability rates were elevated across all age groups and education levels for Aboriginal individuals compared to non-Aboriginal Canadians.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the prevalence, severity, and dependence associated with disability in the Aboriginal population.
- To compare disability data between the Aboriginal and total Canadian household populations using 1991 survey data.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from Statistics Canada's 1991 Aboriginal Peoples Survey (APS).
- Compared APS findings with data from the 1991 Health and Activity Limitation Survey (HALS) for the general Canadian population.
Main Results:
- Aboriginal individuals aged 55 and over were more likely to experience moderate to severe disabilities requiring assistance.
- While most Aboriginal individuals with disabilities received needed assistance, the need increased with disability severity.
- Improved survivorship suggests a growing older Aboriginal population, likely with higher disability rates.
Conclusions:
- Higher disability rates among older Aboriginal people necessitate increased planning for health and social services.
- The aging Aboriginal population will likely increase demand and costs for healthcare and support services.
- Understanding disability trends is crucial for addressing the evolving needs of the Aboriginal population.