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: Quebec, 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 I women have heavier family responsibilities other Quebec women. Inuit women had a much higher prevalence of smoking use. Alcohol consumption was less 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 hyper-tension and higher rates of declared hearing. problems and mental disorders. The similarities and differences observed among these populations of women can assist decision-makers in setting priorities with regards to maintaining and improving their health.