Health Surveys

Health surveys provide a glimpse into the population’s state of health by gathering important information necessary for planning and programming the services offered in the Nunavik health and social services network.

 

QANUIPPITAA? : National Inuit Health Survey

Jointly with Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami (ITK), the four regions of Inuit Nunangat (Inuvialuit, Nunavut, Nunavik and Nunatsiavut) and Makivik Corporation, the Nunavik Regional Board of Health and Social Services (NRBHSS) is currently developing and organizing a health survey planned for Nunavik in the fall 2021. That survey, independent of the one in 2004, will be conducted every five years and will be entirely headed by Inuit.

 

QANUILIRPITAA? 2017

Meaning: Where are we now? / How are we now?

In 2014, the NRBHSS authorized a second large-scale survey similar to the one in 2004, the fruit of an important partnership between the regional organizations, the Institut national de santé publique du Québec (INSPQ), and Laval, McGill and Trent Universities.

After a number of years of planning, preparation and consultation, on August 17, 2017, a team of roughly 40 persons including researchers, medical experts, laboratory technicians and NRBHSS employees set out for the community of Kuujjuaraapik on board the scientific research vessel Amundsen to launch the survey.

Over seven weeks, the research team visited each of the 14 communities, filling out health questionnaires and performing clinical tests. A total of 1,326 Nunavimmiut, over the age of 16, from the various communities took part in the survey.

The Amundsen made its first stop in Kuujjuaraapik and from there continued to the communities of Umiujaq, Inukjuak, Puvirnituq, Akulivik, Ivujivik, Salluit, Kangiqsujuaq, Quaqtaq, Kangirsuk, Aupaluk, Tasiujaq, and Kangiqsualujjuaq, ending its journey in Kuujjuaq on October 5, 2017.

Three components of the survey
  • The adult component documented the state of mental and physical health of adults in 2017 and followed up with the adults of the Qanuippitaa? 2004 cohort.
  • The youth component made up the new cohort of data on the mental and physical health of Nunavimmiut aged 16 to 30 years.
  • The third component—community—established the health profiles and assets of each community according to an approach of participative research.

The survey results shed light on the importance that Inuit place on traditional values, culture and environment while maintaining good health.


Published Topics

Social, Cultural, Mental Health and Wellness

Mental Health and Wellness
Infographic
Summary
Full Report

Sociocultural Determinants of Health and Wellness
Infographic
Summary
Full Report

Substance Use
Infographic
Summary
Full Report
 

Physical Health

Iron Deficiency and Anemia
Infographic
Summary
Full Report

Oral Health
Infographic
Summary
Full Report

Respiratory Health
Infographic
Summary
Full Report

Unintentional Injuries
Infographic
Summary
Full Report


Living Conditions and Environment

Housing and Drinking Water
Infographic
Summary
Full Report

Sociodemographic Characteristics
Infographic
Summary
Full Report



Methodological Report
Full Report

 

 

QANUIPPITAA? 2004

Meaning: How are we? / How are we doing?

The NRBHSS launched the Qanuippitaa? 2004 survey with the objective of drawing up an overall profile of the health of Nunavik Inuit. Coordinated by the INSPQ jointly with Laval University, the survey enabled the gathering of data on new components affecting the population’s health and well-being such as the environment, nutrition & eating habits, lifestyle, psychological well-being and so forth.


Published Topics

Alcohol, Drug Use and Gambling Among the Inuit of Nunavik: Epidemiological Profile
Summary | Full Report

Epidemiological Portrait of Physical Violence and Property Offences in Nunavik
Summary | Full Report

Exposure to Environmental Contaminants in Nunavik: Metals
Summary | Full Report

Exposure to Environmental Contaminants in Nunavik: Persistent Organic Pollutants and New Contaminants of Concern
Summary | Full Report

Hearing Loss and Dental Health
Summary | Full Report

Iron Deficiency and Anemia Among Women in Nunavik
Summary | Full Report

Mental Health, Social Support and Community Wellness
Summary | Full Report

Nutrition and Food Consumption among the Inuit of Nunavik
Summary | Full Report

Perception of Contaminants, Participation in Hunting and Fishing Activities, and Potential Impacts of Climate Change
Summary | Full Report

Physical Activity, Anthropometry and Perception of Body Weight
Summary | Full Report

Prevalence and Nature of Sexual Violence in Nunavik
Summary | Full Report

Respiratory Health: Frequency of Asthma, Wheezing and Allergies in Inuit Children in Relation to Indoor Air Quality
Summary | Full Report

Sociodemographic Portrait
Summary | Full Report

Status of Cardiovascular Disease and Diabetes in Nunavik
Summary | Full Report

Tobacco Use
Summary | Full Report

Transportation Injuries and Safety
Summary | Full Report

Women’s Health and Preventive Sexual Behaviour among Men and Women
Summary | Full Report

Zoonotic Diseases, Drinking Water and Gastroenteritis in Nunavik: A Brief Portrait
Summary | Full Report

Survey Highlights

Methodological Report

 

SANTÉ QUÉBEC SURVEY, 1992

A Health Profile of the Inuit

After the first general Province-wide health survey of 1987, which excluded Nunavik’s Inuit population, the ministère de la Santé et des Services sociaux (MSSS) authorized a general health survey for Inuit of Nunavik at the request of the NRBHSS, known at the time as the Kativik Regional Council of Health and Social Services (KRCHSS).