An evaluation of the physical activity and health status of British Columbian Aboriginal populations

Abstract

Aboriginal people have experienced elevated rates of obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and other chronic conditions that are disproportionate to the general Canadian population. We sampled British Columbian Aboriginal populations to determine the current health status of this population. A total of 882 Aboriginal adults ≥16 years of age from 25 locations around the province were sampled from 2007–2011. Health measurements evaluated included body mass index, waist circumference, physical activity, smoking behaviours, and resting blood pressure as well as histories of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and hypertension. Nonfasting measures of blood sugar, total cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol were also recorded. We used logistical regression to quantify variations in diabetes and cardiovascular disease risk factors with age, gender, geographic location, on- and off-reserve and urban–rural areas of residence, smoking, and physical activity behaviour. The prevalence of diabetes, hypertension, and high total cholesterol were found to be greater among males, while females experienced greater rates of abdominal obesity and physical inactivity. Rates of chronic conditions were similar across on- and off-reserve, urban–rural areas, and geographic region residences, though rural, on-reserve, and northern residents experienced greater risk of poor health status. Larger proportions of on-reserve, rural, and interior individuals were found to be more physically inactive. Aboriginal populations still experience substantially poorer health status in comparison with the general population. Initiatives to improve the health of this population are urgently needed addressing all sectors of the Aboriginal population, all geographic regions, and all areas of residence, with special emphasis on rural, on-reserve, and northern populations.