Socioeconomic inequalities in psychological distress and suicidal behaviours among Indigenous peoples living off-reserve in Canada.

Socioeconomic inequalities in psychological distress and suicidal behaviours among Indigenous peoples living off-reserve in Canada.
CMAJ. 2019 Mar 25;191(12):E325-E336
Authors: Hajizadeh M, Bombay A, Asada Y
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Indigenous peoples in Canada have high rates of psychological distress and suicide. We sought to assess the socioeconomic inequalities in psychological distress and suicidal behaviours, and the factors that explain them within Indigenous peoples living off-reserve.
METHODS: Using the nationally representative 2012 Aboriginal Peoples Survey collected from Indigenous adults living off-reserve in Canada, we measured income-related inequalities in psychological distress (measured on the 10-item Kessler Psychological Distress Scale) and suicidal behaviours (suicidal ideation and suicide attempt) and identified factors contributing to these inequalities using the concentration index (C) approach.
RESULTS: Among 14 410 individuals representing 600 750 Indigenous adults (aged ≥ 18 yr) living off-reserve in Canada, the mean score of psychological distress was 16.1; 19.4% reported lifetime suicidal ideation and 2.2% reported a lifetime suicide attempt. Women had higher psychological distress scores (mean score 16.7 v. 15.2, p < 0.001), and prevalence of suicidal ideation (21.9% v. 16.1%, p < 0.001) and suicide attempts (2.3% v. 2.0%, p = 0.002) than men. Poorer individuals disproportionately exp...

Source: cmaj - March 24, 2019 Category: General Medicine Authors: Hajizadeh M, Bombay A, Asada Y Tags: CMAJ Source Type: research