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A Canadian peer-reviewed journal of population health and health services research

December 2012

Seniors' use of and unmet needs for home care, 2009

Seniors' use of and unmet needs for home care, 2009

by Melanie Hoover and Michelle Rotermann

Population aging, increasing prevalence of chronic diseases, and changes to health care delivery contribute to the need for home care. Home care services for seniors can alleviate demands for hospitalization, and can reduce readmissions and the likelihood of institutionalization. Home care can also be more cost-efficient than residential care.

Acute care hospital days and mental diagnoses

Acute care hospital days and mental diagnoses

by Helen Johansen and Philippe Finès

Despite an increase in population-based studies of mental health at the national and provincial levels, substantial gaps remain in understanding the impact of mental illness on the use of health care services. Reports tend to focus on mental conditions as a most responsible diagnosis and provide limited information about mental illness as a co-morbidity. However, psychiatric disorders can accompany physical conditions, and many physical conditions increase the risk of poor mental health. The combination of physical and mental conditions may result in higher rates of health care use, because mental illness often complicates help-seeking, diagnosis and treatment, and may influence prognosis.

November 2012

Health behaviour changes after diagnosis of chronic illness among Canadians aged 50 or older

Health behaviour changes after diagnosis of chronic illness among Canadians aged 50 or older

by Jason T. Newsom, Nathalie Huguet, Pamela L. Ramage-Morin, Michael J. McCarthy, Julie Bernier, Mark S. Kaplan and Bentson H. McFarland

Heart disease, cancer, stroke, respiratory disease and diabetes are among the leading causes of death in Canada. Worldwide, these chronic conditions account for 60% of all deaths. Since they are influenced by modifiable behaviours, they are considered largely preventable. For people with a chronic illness, adopting a healthier lifestyle, such as smoking cessation, increased physical activity, eliminating heavy alcohol consumption and improving diet, can extend longevity, reduce the recurrence of an event and enhance quality of life.

The physical and mental health of Inuit children of teenage mothers

The physical and mental health of Inuit children of teenage mothers

by Anne Guèvremont and Dafna Kohen

The demographic characteristics of Inuit youth in Canada differ from those of non-Inuit youth. Children aged 0 to 4 make up a larger percentage of the Inuit population (12%) than they do of the non-Aboriginal population (5%). At ages 15 to 19, the fertility rate of Inuit females substantially exceeds national rates. In 2009, 20% of births in Nunavut (where 85% of the population self-identified as Inuit in 2006) were to 15- to 19-year-olds, compared with 4% of births in Canada overall.

Iron sufficiency of Canadians

Iron sufficiency of Canadians

by Marcia Cooper, Linda Greene-Finestone, Hélène Lowell, Johanne Levesque and Stacey Robinson

Iron is essential for biochemical functions in the body at every stage of life. The physiological manifestations of iron-deficiency anemia include reduced immune function and resistance to infection, impaired cognitive performance and behaviour, decreased thermoregulatory performance and energy metabolism, diminished exercise or work capacity, and increased incidence of preterm deliveries and low birthweight infants. In developed countries, iron deficiency and iron-deficiency anemia may be caused by inadequate intake of dietary iron, consumption of poorly available forms of iron, or diminished iron absorption due to dietary inhibitors. Increased demands for iron because of growth, menstrual losses, or pregnancy may also be factors.

October 2012

Seeking medical help to conceive

Seeking medical help to conceive

by Tracey Bushnik, Jocelynn Cook, Edward Hughes and Suzanne Tough

Since 1990, the percentage of married or cohabitating women in Canada who report that they intend to have a child has hovered around 92%. Recent studies, however, have found that 4% to 17% of couples in industrialized countries experience an involuntary absence of conception lasting at least 12 months. In Canada, the prevalence of past-12-month infertility rose from 5% in 1984 to a range of 12% to 16% in 2009/2010.

Social participation and the health and well-being of Canadian seniors

Social participation and the health and well-being of Canadian seniors

by Heather Gilmour

Older age is a transitional period when people experience changes not only in physical health, but also in social roles (for example, retirement, children are grown) that can influence opportunities for social participation. Epidemiological studies suggest that social activities may be particularly important for older adults. The possible health benefits include reduced risk of mortality, disability and depression, and better cognitive health, self-rated health and health-related behaviours. Thus, social participation has been integrated into research and policy frameworks of aging. For instance, social engagement—involvement in meaningful activities and maintaining close relationships—is a component of successful aging.

The difference in hypertension control between older men and women

The difference in hypertension control between older men and women

by Kathryn Wilkins, Marianne Gee and Norm Campbell

Hypertension is a major health risk factor, and its control is an important clinical concern. In Canada, among people younger than 60 who are using medication for hypertension, control is nearly equal between the sexes, at well over 90%. At older ages, however, control is more likely in men than in women — consistent with observations elsewhere.