A health profile of the Inuit of Nunavik: report of the Santé Québec Health Survey (1992)
Jetté, M.
International Journal of Circumpolar Health 57 Suppl. 1: 630-635
1998
ISSN/ISBN: 1239-9736 PMID: 10093355 Document Number: 496325
This general survey of health and well-being aimed primarily to provide a comprehensive insight into the health and social situation in Nunavik, with a view to setting up prevention and intervention programs more properly adapted to the needs of the Inuit of Nunavik. The data gathered through the use of questionnaires were combined with the anthropometric and biological readings of some 1,567 Inuit of all ages to generate the survey findings. In essence, the report demonstrated that, as the current Inuit lifestyle, save for the consumption of traditional foods, was setting the stage for the development of several types of illness previously absent from Nunavik, behavioral changes were warranted. Although the Inuit reported few problems of a physical nature, mental health issues appeared challenging. The prevalence of psychological distress, suicidal thoughts, and parasuicides was of sufficient import to justify direct, concerted, and immediate action.