Prevalence and Risk Factors of Asthma in Canadian Off-Reserve Aboriginals

Abstract

This study used the data from the Aboriginal Peoples Survey 2006 to determine the prevalence and risk factors for asthma in off-reserve Canadian Aboriginal children aged 6 to 14 years and adults aged 15 to 64 years. The prevalence of asthma was 14.3% in children and 14.0% in adults. Children and adults with Inuit ancestry had significantly lower prevalence of asthma than those with North American Indian and Métis ancestries. Significant risk factors for ever asthma in children included male sex, allergy, low birth weight, obesity, poor dwelling conditions and urban residence. In adults, risk factors for ever asthma varied between Aboriginal groups. Risk factors were also different for early and late onset of asthma among Aboriginal adults. Lower prevalence and difference in the risk factors for asthma in Inuit adults in comparison to other Aboriginal groups might be related to the distinct lifestyle and require further investigation.