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.