Mental health and substance use in an urban First Nations population in Hamilton, Ontario

OBJECTIVES: Mental health and substance use have been identified as health priorities currently facing Indigenous peoples in Canada; however, accessible and culturally relevant population health data for this group are almost non-existent. The aim of the Our Health Counts study was to generate First Nations adult population health data in partnership with the De dwa da dehs ney>s Aboriginal Health Access Centre in Hamilton, Ontario. METHODS: Analysis involved data gathered through respondent-driven sampling. Prevalence estimates and 95% confidence intervals were generated for diagnosis and treatment of a psychological disorder or mental illness, depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and suicide, alcohol and substance use, and access to emotional support. RESULTS: Of the 554 First Nations adults who participated in the Our Health Counts study in Hamilton, 42% had been told by a health care worker that they had a psychological and/or mental health disorder. High rates of depression (39%) and PTSD (34%), as well as suicide ideation (41%) and attempts (51%) were reported. Half of the sample reported marijuana use in the previous 12 months, and 19% reported the use of cocaine and opiates. CONCLUSION: First Nations adults living in Hamilton experience a disproportionate burden of mental health and addictions. By working in partnership with urban Aboriginal organizations, it is possible to produce policy- and service-relevant data and address the current deficiency in appropriate mental health and substance use services for urban Aboriginal people.