Native mortality in Canada: An epidemiological study using computerized record linkage of native administrative files with the Canada mortality database and two sources of routinely collected mortality statistics.

Abstract

Natives in Canada suffer from high rates of morbidity and mortality in comparison to the Canadian population. Investigation of this inequity has been hampered by a lack of valid health statistics on native populations. This thesis assesses native mortality through a study of three potential sources of native mortality statistics using routinely collected data. Objectives were to: (1) Measure mortality indicators using a computerized record linkage of government Indian administrative records with the Canada Mortality Database. (2) Compare native mortality indicators based on the linked files, on-reserve deaths, and Medical Services Branch native client files. (3) Relate mortality amongst natives with respect to the Canadian population. (4) Determine if there is a contribution of "rural" living to native mortality. The record linkage includes deaths recorded with DIAND as occurring in 1981. The average annual mortality rate for the two other native files and comparison populations are derived from 1979-1983 records. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)