Aboriginal peoples living in Alberta have a greater risk of developing a major respiratory disorder than non-Aboriginals, according to a new research.
The prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), mainly caused by smoking, between 2002 and 2010 in Alberta in people 35 years and older were higher for First Nations (11 per cent), Inuits (nine per cent), and Métis people (near 8 per cent) compared to non-Aboriginal Canadians. Smoking rates in Canada’s Aboriginal populations are, on average, twice as high as those of non-Aboriginal Canadians.
This is the first large cohort study over many years that evaluated the epidemiology of COPD in all three Aboriginal groups in Canada. The researchers believe this research can help with more effective delivery of respiratory health services to aboriginal groups in industrialized nations.
Original research paper published in PLOS ONE on April 13, 2015.
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